Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this traditional and hearty loaf. The key to Irish Soda Bread is using baking soda, rather than yeast, as a leavening agent. We updated this classic by making it gluten free and stirring in some whiskey-soaked currants and rosemary for an added kick. Serve warm with butter and jam—and enjoy!Tools: cast iron skillet (at least 9 inch), whisk, spatula, zester, pastry cutter or fork, knife, pastry brush
1/3 cup
unsalted Butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes and chilled
1 cup
Currants or Raisins, soaked in 1/2 cup Irish Whiskey and then drained
2 1/3 cups
lowfat Buttermilk, cold
1
Egg
2 1/2 Tbsp
unsalted Butter, melted
Instructions
Set a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 400°F.
In a large mixing bowl add the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, rosemary, orange zest and salt. Whisk to combine. Add the cubed butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or fork to work the butter until it becomes the size of small peas. Add the soaked (and drained) currants or raisins, and use a spatula to stir and combine.
Add the buttermilk and egg to a small mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Then, pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and use a spatula to work the dough until it starts to come together.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Form the dough into a 7-inch round and place in the cast iron skillet. Using a sharp knife, score a cross from end-to-end into the center of the loaf that’s 1 inch deep. Place the skillet into the oven and bake the bread for 50-60 minutes, or until the loaf has browned, is dry to the touch and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and place on a baking rack. Brush the loaf with melted butter if desired.