Even when they sleep.

Yesterday, while the corned beef and cabbage was cooking on the stove and the Irish Soda Bread was baking in the oven, my wife Jackie and her ever present protector were waiting in the living room for dinner. I enjoy watching how well her protector takes care of her when I am busy doing other things. Even when he is fast asleep. Here is the proof.

Axl is an old Rottweiler with the heart and soul of a guardian angel.

Hey, this isn't the Cooking Channel but speaking of Irish Soda Bread, if you are interested in an authentic recipe that is around 100 years old here it is. It was passed down to my wife from her Grandmother. I have made this every year and it is delicious.

Authentic Irish Soda Bread ( Landen-Osborne Family)

 

Recipe Makes 2 Loaves

Bake: 35 - 40 minutes

Pre Heat Oven to 375

 

Ingredients:

4 cups. Flour

3 teaspoons Baking powder

1 teaspoons Baking soda

1 teaspoon Salt

1/4 cup Sugar

1/4 cup Butter (1/2 stick)

1/2 cup Caraway Seeds

1 1/2 cups of Raisins

1 large Egg

1 3/4 cups. Buttermilk 

 

SIFT OR WISK ALL DRY INGREDIENTS TOGETHER IN A LARGE BOWL AND SET ASIDE.

 

1/4 cup Butter (1/2 stick)

CUT IN BUTTER WITH 2 KNIVES OR A PASTRY BLENDER. Also works with the bread hook on the mixer.

Add large handful of Caraway Seeds and 1 to 1 1/2 cups of Raisins to mix.

 

LIGHTLY BEAT THE EGG AND ADD TO BUTTERMILK.

1 large Egg

1 3/4 cups. Buttermilk 

 

MIX INTO DRY INGREDIENTS WITH A FORK UNTIL BLENDED.

 

TURNOUT ONTO A FLOURED SURFACE AND KNEAD UNTIL SMOOTH FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 - 3 MINUTES.

(A MIXER WITH A BREAD HOOK IS HELPFUL)

 

DOUGH WILL BE STICKY. COAT HANDS WITH FLOUR.

FORM INTO A LARGE BALL AND CUT IN HALF WITH A SHARP KNIFE.

RESHAPE EACH HALF INTO A ROUNDED MOUND CUT AN X ON TOP OF EACH MOUND.

PLACE ON GREASED BAKING SHEET. Bake for 35 to 40 Minutes.

REMOVE AND COOL ON WIRE RACK.

 

THEN TOP WITH GLAZE WHILE IT IS STILL WARM.

SUGAR GLAZE - FOR EACH LOAF.

1 cup 10x (powdered) sugar

1/2 teaspoon. Vanilla

5 tablespoons Milk