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Ingredients Dry Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup whole wheat flour ½ cup rolled oats (quick-cooking or regular) 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder
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Wet Ingredients: 1 large egg 2 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon orange or tangerine zest 1 ¾ cups buttermilk Additional: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into chunks ½ cup dried currants ½ cup golden raisins
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Classic, quick bread with a golden top and soft, tender crumb is Irish soda bread. This bread is made simply and is ideal for any occasion.
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For a substantial texture, this recipe calls for whole wheat flour mixed with all-purpose flour plus rolled oats. The dried fruit and honey bring some sweetness.
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Buttermilk combines with baking soda to produce air bubbles that enable bread to rise. Should you lack buttermilk, a basic milk and vinegar combination will do.
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Combining the butter with the dry ingredients with a pastry cutter guarantees a flaky texture. Gentle handling of the dough helps the bread not to get dense.
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To bake evenly, form the dough into a ball, then carve an "X" on top. Additionally, this stage gives the bread its classic Irish look.
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45 minutes at 375°F (ca. 191 °C) results in golden brown bread. It stays moist and delicious if you let it cool before cutting.
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Eat this delicious soda bread with butter, jam, or even alongside a filling stew. St. Patrick's Day or any other time of year, this is a must-try!