Well here I am, purposely disavowing my pledge of a month of dinner posts. But considering I had not planned to post today, I proclaim it justifiable. Treat it as a bonus, a Saint Patty’s Day bonus, no less.
We grilled steaks for dinner last night (one night of vegetarian entrees was enough for Kevin), and because they were Flintstones’-size, we have more than enough for tonight, too. A night of leftovers means I’ve been free to bake this afternoon, so despite the 80+ degrees outside, I gathered flour and baking soda and set to baking a batch of Irish soda bread.
Irish soda bread could, and perhaps should, be re-named; I suggest “I can’t believe I just made this incredibly delicious bread in 5 minutes.” A ridiculous mouthful, but it’s true. Soda bread has no yeast, no rising, no kneading, just a cursory stir, plunk and bake. It’s worth the minimal effort, even on a hot & humid Texas day.
James Beard, who I otherwise revere as one the greatest American cooks and food writers, ends his recipe for Irish soda bread with a warning that it “must never be cut into thick slices.” Phooey. Slice it thin, slice it thick, or haul off and take a bite out of the side if you feel so inclined. You can leave out the sugar and currants and add fresh or dried herbs, or leave out the adornments altogether. I prefer mine slightly sweet, particularly because I relish it as morning toast, smeared with ample amounts of marmalade.
This post is dedicated to the memory of my beautiful, elegant, and hilarious Scotch-Irish gran, Vivian Eleanor Percy. I miss you.
Camilla’s Irish Soda Bread with Currants
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons sugar, divided use
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
2/3 cup currants or raisins
Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray 8-inch-diameter cake pan with nonstick spray. In a large bowl whisk the flours, 4 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Make a well in center of flour mixture. Add the melted butter and buttermilk. Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients to blend. Mix in currants.
Using floured hands, shape dough into ball. Transfer to prepared pan and flatten slightly (dough will not come to edges of pan). Using a sharp knife, slash a deep X (at least half inch deep) across the top of the ball. Sprinkle dough with remaining 1 tablespoon sugar.
Bake bread until brown and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Cool bread in pan 10 minutes. Transfer to rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes 20 servings.
Nutrition per Serving (1 slice): Calories 89; Fat 1.5g (sat .7g, mono 0.5g, poly 0.1g); Protein 1.9g; Cholesterol 3.7mg; Carbohydrate 17.6g; Sodium 138.6mg.
(Note: I did the nutrition analysis using Diet Analysis Plus 7.0.1)
10 P.M. UPDATE: YOU MUST WATCH!!!
Many blessings to my friend Katie, for sharing the following St. Patrick's day clip of Beaker, the Swedish Chef and Animal (all from the Muppet Show) singing Danny Boy. I nearly died. Kevin came to see what was wrong, he thought I was crying because I started laughing so hard. You must watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCbuRA_D3KU
10 comments:
I have childhood memories of bad soda bread so I have not baked or eaten it in years. After reading this I am thinking I should give it another try.
Thanks for sharing!
I will try this as my favorite recipe has much more sugar and butter...THANKYOU
Hi Camille,
This is not a food realted question, but you have mentioned that you teach exercise classes and that your fav post exercise class is oatmeal.
I find in the morning that I wake up hungry, however, unfortunately, after working out I find I am hungry too. While I know some people have banana or toast, etc before and then a full one after I am trying to lose weight so I'd rather not tag on an extra 100 calories from the pre work out meal. Plus, like I said, I am not sure if an apple before would satisfy me since I wake up hungry. How do you go through a workout without food first? Any suggestions for my situation?
Since reading your recommended column Orangette, I must find some. I was trying to remember, where I was eating them. After all, they are not our local candy. Then I remembered, last year in Italy. Everytime I turned around, Alva had bought either the lemon or orange rinds. However, I do not remember them being dipped in chocolate. I love chocolate so that would not be a problem for me. can you suggest a site where I could order them or do you know a place in Houston as I go there often.
Jan
Hi Jan,
Check out Fran's chocolates:
http://www.franschocolates.com/home.php?cat=19
There chocolate is phenomenal--we used to sell it at Peet's coffee and tea in Berkeley when I worked there. I haven't had their orange sticks (chocolate dipped orange peel), but when I clicked on them on the website they looked exactly like those on orangette's website. I don't think you could go wrong!
Hi Beth,
I understand re: bad soda bread; it can be leaden if not made well.
Two key things to keep in mind so that it comes out perfectly: first, mix as little as possible (since it's a quick bread, overmixing can activate the gluten too much and make it too dense).
Second, be sure to cut the cross on top fairly deep; this allows the bread to bake evenly in the center (it will split more as it bakes; this allows the center to bake throughly and evenly, no leaden, doughy center).
Hope you try it!
hi Susan,
I know, it can be tricky to eat before working out. I teach early (6am) several days a week and usually need something beforehand to get my blood sugar up. I am a yogurt fiend, and it always serve me well--I'll have a small cup plain with some honey drizzled on top.
Some of my other tried and true options: a banana (also good because of the potassium, which you lose a lot of when sweating during exercise), a little bit of dried fruit, half of an energy nar (purchased or homemade), half a glass of orange juice.
Post exercise, I always try to drink plenty of water (I drink while exerciseing , too) in additon to having breakfast. I've been reading more and more about how most Americans are chronically dehydrated; the dehydration can often be mostaken for additional hunger.
Hope this is of some utility, Susan!
This looks incredible Camilla! What a beautiful picture of your late grandmother. Those old pictures are priceless!
Camilla, you look just like your beautiful grandmother.
Jan
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