Irish Soda Bread

Friday is St. Patrick's Day. I just love Irish soda bread. This is a great recipe. It is easy to make and absolutely  delicious!!!! Give it a try and enjoy it for breakfast on St. Patrick's Day.
 Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's day!!!!!


   Ina Garten's Irish Soda Bread

             Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour plus
  extra for currents

4 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 tsps. kosher salt

4 tablespoon (1/2 stick). cold unsalted  butter cut into 1/2 dice

1 3/4 cups cold buttermilk, shaken

I extra large egg, slightly beaten

1 teaspoon grated orange zest

1 1/2 cps dried fruit (dried currants and raisins)


             Directions
Preheat the oven 375 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper
1. Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt in bowl of electric mixer,fitted with the pedal attachment.

2. Add cold butter mix on low speed until the butter is mixed into flour

3. With fork, lightly beat buttermilk, egg and orange zest together in measuring cup.
With the mixer on low speed, slowly add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture, Combine the currants with 1 tablespoon of flour and mix into dough. It will be wet.

4. Dump the dough onto well-floured board and knead it a few times into a round loaf. Place the loaf on the prepared sheet pan and lightly cut an x into the top of the bread with serrated knife. Bake 45 to 55 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. When you tap the loaf, it will have a hollow sound.

Cool on baking rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
         
                                               Happy St. Patrick's Day! 
                                            
                                                              Sue