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Irish Soda Bread

A little whole wheat flour and honey give add a healthy spin to this classic quick bread to round out your St. Patrick's Day meal. Consider baking it all year long for an easy breakfast or afternoon snack.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack
Servings 1 loaf

Ingredients
  

  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup honey
  • 1 egg lightly beaten
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • ¾ cup raisins or mixed dried fruit see NOTE
  • Butter and/or jam for serving if desired

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Combine flours, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the center of the ingredients; set aside.
  • Combine buttermilk, honey and egg. Add buttermilk mixture and melted butter to well in the dry ingredients and stir until it becomes a soft dough. Stir in dried fruit just until evenly incorporated.
  • Transfer dough to parchment-lined baking sheet and, with lightly floured hands, shape into a round loaf about 6-inches wide. Make an “X” in the top of the loaf with a wet serrated or sharp knife.
  • Bake in the center of the preheated oven until toothpick comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes, turning halfway through baking.
  • Cool on rack and cut into wedges or slices. Serve with butter and/or jam, if desired. Tightly wrap leftovers.
  • Makes 1 loaf.

Notes

I like to use a dried fruit mix from Trader Joes including, raisins, blueberries and cranberries.  You can stick with the traditional raisins or dried currents or experiment with your favorite dried fruit.