Pat Nolan - Irish Soda Bread

My dad was all Irish, and my mom had no Irish blood. Yet, they both encouraged us to celebrate our Irish heritage. We did Irish dancing together as the "Nine Dancing Nolans" at such venues as the Los Angeles Philharmonic Auditorium and Bovard Auditorium. We performed on numerous occasions at Disneyland, including many St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Irish Soda Bread is a special treat we always enjoyed.

2 Cups flour
1/2 Cup sugar
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 Cup butter
1 Cup raisins
2 TB caraway seeds (or to taste)
1/2 Cup buttermilk
pinch of baking soda
1 egg

Preheat oven to 350°. Sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut the butter into slices and work into the dry ingredients with your fingers. Place the raisins in warm water for a few minutes, then drain and dry them and add them to mixture. Add the caraway seeds.

In a separate bowl mix together the buttermilk and baking soda. Add the egg and mix again.

Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry. Add more buttermilk if too dry, more flour if too wet. Mix with a spoon. Then, with floured hands, shape into a small round ball. Place on a greased and floured pan and do not flatten, leave as a round ball. Draw a cross on top with a dull knife and bake at 350° for 40-50 minutes. When golden brown, remove from oven and wipe top with a little butter and sprinkle with a little bit of sugar as well.

Prep. time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Yield: 1 large loaf (about 8 servings)

Restorative Justice Menu
Stories: Pat Nolan | Janice Little | Jim Fetherston | Matt Gray

Recipes: Irish Soda Bread | Enchiladas | Mom's Meat Loaf | Carrot Cake | Peppercorn Beef Tenderloin | Shish Kabob Marinade | Portobella Mushroom Fajitas | Eggplant Chicken