Irish Soda Bread

Irish soda bread with whiskey? Mary can't remember how or why she substituted whiskey for the orange or lemon juice that her mother used, but it adds zip to soda bread. You can be a traditionalist and use lemon or orange in the same amount as the whiskey. Read flour by the sackful.

• 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 5 tablespoons shortening
• 1/2 cup currants
• 2 teaspoons caraway seeds
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 1/3 cup whiskey
• 1 tablespoon milk

METHOD

Preheat oven to 375° F.

In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, salt, sugar and baking soda. Cut shortening into mixture with a pastry blender until it resembles coarse oatmeal.

Add currants and caraway seeds. Blend gently, gently. Gradually mix in buttermilk, then whiskey.

Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 3 - 4 minutes or until dough is smooth. Form into an eight inch round and place on a greased baking sheet. Cut a cross 1/2 inch deep into top center of the dough. Brush remaining tablespoon of milk lightly across top of loaf.

Bake for 40 - 45 minutes in a preheated 375° F oven. Cool on a wire rack.

Serves 8.

This recipe from www.inmamaskitchen.com

Contributor: Donna Serbe Davis for Mary Merz

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"What butter and whiskey will not cure there's no cure for"Irish Proverb

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