Sheila's Favorite Irish Soda Bread

By: JackieOhNo!
Feb 13, 2008

Growing up in an Irish household, I have tasted many an Irish soda bread. Some are more breadlike, others are more cakelike, some have raisins and/or caraway seeds, some don't, some loaves are long and some are round. One thing that you can count on is that they are always made with buttermilk. Well, after a lifelong experience in tasting these fine soda breads, I have settled on this recipe as my favorite. It has raisins (but no caraway, although you can certainly add it), makes 2 rectangular loaves, and foregoes the traditional buttermilk in favor of sour cream! I must say, I have never heard an Irishman who tasted this bread complain about that substitution, so I encourage you to try it. This is rather cake-like, but still stands up to the toaster, if desired. Wrapped in foil, it keeps for many days, and is wonderful with some soft, sweet butter spread on it. Enjoy!