It’s St. Patrick’s day, and in the world of bread, that can only mean one thing–Irish Soda Bread.  Irish Soda Bread is a quick bread, leavened with baking soda (how about that?) and or baking powder.  It is much more similar to a biscuit or a scone and should be treated gently.  When quick breads have a lot of sugar in them, they really stray into cake territory, but this one is ever so slightly sweet.  Definitely lovely with a thick smear of butter for breakfast, maybe, even better the next day toasted and buttered, but they find an equally happy home around the dinner table with corned beef and cabbage.  In fact, the hint of orange in mine makes it a lovely balance to the heaviness of the meal.

My recipe makes two loaves of bread.  Perfect for a keep one, give one away situation.  Who will be the lucky recipient?  Today I am actually making a double batch. Gulp.  Four Loaves!  But one each will go to my lovely neighbors who brighten my days, and our cul de sac.  The other 2 are destined for a family dinner with my little family and my sister’s family.  Generally, this meal resides firmly in my mom’s repertoire.  However, she is currently in Nepal living out a life-long dream.  Seriously, the Himalayas, so I am thinking she is fine skipping the culinary adventure for a travel adventure for now.

I can’t promise that you will be living out your life-long dream next year if you make and give away or eat this bread, but with a little luck, just maybe!