Irish Soda Bread

With the last name of Mullins, you know there's more than a little Irish tradition around here.  We do celebrate the day, especially since it's the Big Irishman's birthday - how crazy, right.?  Anyway, to start off the weekend, I treated my boys to a warm loaf of Irish Soda Bread.  It's so easy to make and truth be told, the Irishman likes it better than cornbread (oh my goodness!) when eating chili or soup.  Whether Irish or not, I hope you and yours will celebrate the weekend and have fun with family and friends...

Irish Soda Bread

Original recipe from Ina Garten ~ Barefoot Contessa

4 cups all-purpose flour

4 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch dice

1 3/4 cups cold buttermilk, shaken

1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon grated orange zest

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
• Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the butter and mix on low speed until the butter is mixed into the flour.
• With a fork, lightly beat the buttermilk, egg, and orange zest together in a measuring cup. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture.
• Dump the dough onto a 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 a serrated knife. Bake for 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 a baking rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

May your troubles be less

And your blessings be more.

And nothing but happiness

Come through your door.

The book of Irish Blessings, 1806