Ready for St. Patty’s

Chicago celebrated St. Patrick’s Day this weekend. It tends to be a very big deal in this city – the Chicago River turns green, parades lace through the city, pubs fill with partyers at 8 am. Although we weren’t able to celebrate with the usual debauchery and the weather was typically “Irish” (cloudy, foggy and rainy), we managed to have a very nice day walking around the city and people-watching. Sometimes all it takes is a simple walk with my little family to make me feel like the luckiest mom in this town!!

My parents came over for breakfast this morning. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day I decided to make a loaf of Irish soda bread to serve alongside eggs, fruit, homemade yogurt and homemade granola. My friend Carolyn sent me this recipe a couple years ago, and today was my first time making it. I was really surprised by how easy it was and how quickly it came together. Quite a treat served warm out of the oven at breakfast, and a delicious toasted snack this afternoon!

Carolyn’s Irish Soda Bread

4 cups flour (Carolyn uses 4 cups unbleached flour – I used 2 cups whole wheat and 2 cups unbleached)
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 cup raisins (optional but delicious!)
1 lightly beaten egg
1 3/4 cups buttermilk

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, sift or whisk the first six ingredients together. Add the egg and buttermilk. Mix well – it will start to get pretty stiff, at which point I abandoned the spoon and started to knead with my hands. Shape into a round or oval loaf about two inches tall. Put on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 40-50 minutes.

I served this with some butter I whipped with powdered sugar and a splash of orange juice. It really was a treat!

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2 Comments for this entry

  1. Carolyn says:

    I LOVE this picture of you and Evie. It has a documentary magazine quality to it.

  2. Trippy Momma says:

    I have always wanted to spend St Patricks day in Chi-town!!!! Glad you guys had fun!

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