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Irish Breads ...

Baking traditions in Ireland is the stuff of legends, but above all their breads stand out below we give a few of the classic bread recipes for which the Irish are justifly proud. We are especially proud of our Irish Soda Bread

Traditional Irish Brown Bread

2 cups whole-wheat flour

1 cup white flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (or baking soda)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups buttermilk

Place all dry ingredients into mixing bowl; mix well. Pour buttermilk slowly while mixing to a soft dough. Mix well, but do not knead. Form into a round and place on a greased baking sheet or in a round loaf pan. Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees.
Makes 1 loaf

Irish Oat Bread

8 ounces regular oatmeal (not instant)

1 1/2 cups buttermilk

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 to 1 cup flour

2 tablespoons melted butter

In a cool place, soak oatmeal overnight in buttermilk, making sure milk covers oats. Next day, add baking powder, salt and some of the flour. Mix well with wooden spoon or fork, continually adding flour until dough is sticky. Place dough on greased baking sheet or in round bread pan, forming a round loaf; brush with melted butter. Bake 30 minutes at 325 to 350 degrees. When toothpick put into center comes out clean, it's ready. If needed, bake 10 minutes longer, or till pick comes out clean.
Makes 1 loaf.

Irish Soda Bread

4 cups (1 pound) flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 to 3/4 pint of milk or buttermilk

Raisins or currants (optional)

Mix dry ingredients together. Add milk or buttermilk to form a loose dough. Add raisins or currants, if desired. Place dough on floured board and knead until smooth. Form into a round about 2 inches high and make a large X with a knife in top of dough. Bake on greased baking sheet at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.
Makes 1 loaf.

Irish Potato Bread

225g/ 8oz warm cooked potato
1/2 tsp salt
25g/ 1oz butter, melted
50g/ 2oz plain flour
Makes 8

Mash potatoes well. Add salt and butter, then work in enough flour to make a pliable dough. Divide the dough in two and rolll out on a floured surface to form two circles 22cm / 9 inch in diameter and 1/2cm/ 1/4 inch in thickness. Cut each circle into quarters and bake on a hot griddle or pan for about 5 minutes or until browned on both sides. Some people like to grease the baking surface, while others prefer a light dusting of flour for a drier effect.

For a tasty, textured variation, substitute fine oatmeal for the flour in the recipe above.