Irish Soda Bread

Soda bread is just synonymous with Ireland.  If one uses a search engine with the words “soda bread” up pops images and recipes for Irish Soda Bread      

The introduction of bread soda or bicarbonate of soda in the early part of the 19th century led to the evolution of this very Irish of breads.  The flat bread was totally wiped out.

Soda Bread conjures up many images.  A slab of brown soda bread served with poached salmon and a pint of the black stuff.  Or perhaps a slice of white soda bread liberally spread with butter as soon as it came out of the oven.  Perhaps it is that slice of soda bread on a wet autumnal evening with homemade blackberry jam.  Another image perhaps is the fruit soda cooling on a wire rack and the anticipation of a cuppa and a slice.

I have two memories.  One was making plain white soda bread for my cookery badge in Guides.  It was great to gain the badge but even better was sharing the bread with the patrol.  My other abiding memory was the brown soda bread which my aunt, Mary Dan, used to bake.  It was light, smelt divine and tasted even better.

Soda bread is baked with flour, milk , bread soda and a pinch of salt.  Having a dairy intolerance but absolutely loving soda bread I have worked on a recipe which does not include dairy.  It was good fun experimenting.  This is now the recipe I use and which I have shared with some of the following generations.