Apricot Soda Bread

This was a REALLY yummy version of soda bread that makes a really nice breakfast bread. Will definitely make this one again.  The recipe is from Flavor the Moments and the recipe can be found HERE.

Ingredients

4 cups all purpose flour, plus extra for dried apricots

4 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2" dice

1 3/4 cup cold low fat buttermilk, shaken

1 egg

1 tablespoon orange zest

1 cup chopped dried apricots

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Add the dry ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or use your handheld electric mixer. Mix the dry ingredients on low speed. 

4. Add the butter and mix on low speed until the butter is completely mixed into the dry ingredients. Using a fork, beat the egg, buttermilk, and zest in a measuring cup. Turn the mixer on low speed, and slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Combine the dried apricots with one tablespoon of flour, then mix into the dough on low speed just until combined. The dough is VERY wet!

Pour the dough out onto a well floured surface and knead a few times until it's in the shape of a round loaf. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Using a serrated knife, cut a small "X" into the center. Bake 45-55 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

irish Soda Bread 2

I prefer soda bread with buttermilk, but this recipe takes it to the next step by adding some sour cream indulgence!

Ingredients
4 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups raisins
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 and 1/4 cup buttermilk
1 cup sour cream

Process

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
   
2. Grease two 8" round cake pans
3. Combine all dry ingredients and raisins in a large bowl.
   
4. In another bowl, blend the remaining ingredients together and then add to the bowl of dry ingredients.
5. Stir until combined and flour is moist.
   
6. Knead in the bowl - the dough will be very sticky.
   
7. Divide in half, shaping into 2 balls, and place in the center of pans.
   
8. Flatten balls a bit and then cut a deep X across the top of each loaf.
   
9. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
   
10. Cool completely on a wire rack.
    

Irish Soda Bread 1

I guess I am a day late and a dollar short. Not only did I forget to take pictures of the Irish American Soda bread I made from the Joy of Cooking recipe, but I JUST found my other recipes. Well, better late than never eh? Here's the first of two I have. This recipe doubles quite easily.

Ingredients
2 and 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon melted butter
1 cup milk
1 Tablespoon caraway seeds (optional)
1 egg
1 cup raisins

Process

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In one bowl, sift together the dry ingredients.
   
3. IN a separate bowl, beat the egg with the milk.
   
4. Add butter, caraway seeds, and raisins to the egg and milk mixture.
5. Add sifted dry ingredients.
   
6. Bake in a greased loaf pan for about an hour. OR shape into three small loaves and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
   
7.