St. Patrick was a real person with a beautiful conversion story. He was abducted from his home as a young boy and forced into slavery. God gave him a vision that helped him escape and return to his home. He committed his life to serving the Lord and felt a powerful call to return to the people who enslaved him and share the gospel with them.
Celebrate this special day by making traditional Irish Soda Bread. This recipe is my all time favorite. It’s fun, easy to make, and delicious with its crispy crust, currants, and orange zest.
Enjoy!
Easy and Delicious Irish Soda Bread
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for currants or raisins
4 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch diced
1 ¾ cups cold buttermilk, shaken
1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten
3 teaspoons grated orange zest
1 cup dried currants or raisins
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the butter and mix slowly until the butter is mixed with the flour. Lightly beat the buttermilk, egg, and orange zest in a measuring cup with a fork. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture. Combine the currants or raisins with 1 tablespoon of flour and mix into the dough. It will be very wet. Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and knead it a few times into a round loaf. Place the loaf on the prepared sheet pan and lightly cut an X into the top of the bread with a serrated knife. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. When you tap the loaf, it will have a hollow sound. Cool on a baking rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.