Friday, March 11, 2011

Mini Irish Soda Bread


I have seen a lot of mini sized dishes and desserts across the blogosphere, and decided to make my Irish Soda Bread, mini size.  Don't they look cute? Now, I did put raisins in them, because we always have. and my husband likes. a little sugar, too,  but with a last name of Higgins, we can. 
 
Most Irish Soda bread is just flour, buttermilk,   or sour milk,  bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), and salt, not even an egg or butter, or dried fruit.. The buttermilk  or sour milk and the baking soda,  react to make the bread rise, without yeast.  As with most foods, there are many variations of the bread, ingredients and shapes, however. for more history and recipes here is Peter Mum's Soda Bread-Recipe. Just remember, wear green on St. Patrick's Day and  everybody is Irish! I even made a loaf, but I made it too wide, so the X doesn't show.  It's very good.
 
Irish Soda Bread  Adapted from Peter Mum's Soda Bread recipe for 1batch of mini breads or one loaf
Ingredients
  • 2  cups  all-purpose flour
  • 1  teaspoon  baking powder
  • 1/2  teaspoon  baking soda
  • 3  tablespoons  margarine or butter
  • 1/4  cup  raisins (optional)
  • 1    egg white, slightly beaten
  • 3/4  cup  buttermilk
  •     Nonstick cooking spray
  • 1/4  teaspoon  salt
Directions
1. In a medium mixing bowl stir together flour, baking powder, soda, and salt. Cut in margarine or butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in raisins, if desired. Make a well in the center of the mixture. 

2. In a small mixing bowl combine egg white and buttermilk. Add all at once to dry mixture. Stir just until moistened. 

3. On a lightly floured surface knead dough 10 to 12 strokes until nearly smooth. the less the dough is handled the more tender the bread or muffins. If handled too much, the bread will be tough.  For the minis, spray muffin pan and fill cups 3/4 c full.  for the loaf, shape into a 7-inch round loaf

4. Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray Place bread dough on baking sheet. With a sharp knife, make 2 slashes in the top to form an X, or spray a muffin pan..
Brush the muffins or bread dough with egg wash, if you want.

5. Bake in a 375 degree F oven about 30 minutes or until golden for loaf. .  For mini size bake 18-22 min., until skewer inserted in middle, comes out clean. Serve warm. Makes 1 loaf (16 servings) or 9 muffin sized breads. Slainte

17 comments:

  1. Doesn't anything taste better in mini form? We'll be having soda bread on St. Patrick's day as well and this sounds good :o)

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  2. Oooh! Lovely lovely bread, great pictures.

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  3. I love how you've mini'ed them. That means we can help ourselves to 1, 2, 3, 4....they look SO delicious. I'm not Irish, but a close neighbour so will need to make this too!

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  4. I have never eaten anything like this! looks delicious and loved the recipe- would love to give it a try!

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  5. I love mini foods, because you can just pop them in your mouth. I'm making some of this bread next week, I want to make little ones like yours. Hope you have a great weekend.
    -Gina-

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  6. AHhhh !! mini foods are SOOO adorable!
    especially dainty little foods~
    very beautiful (:

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  7. Very nice Becky. What a perfect idea to make them mini!! And that butter on there...oh my. Perfect combination!

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  8. Can you believe I've never tried Irish soda bread before? What a shame! Your minis look so adorable. Thank you for sharing this delicious bread. I hope you have a beautiful weekend. Thanks for getting mine off to a sweet start!

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  9. This looks so good...and the PERFECT treat for St. Patrick's Day later this week! All I have is golden raisins...is that sacrilege, or would it work ok?

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  10. Thanks for all of your wonderful comments, they keep me going.

    Monet= This is so easy. You have to try it.

    Wendy- I'm sure that golden raisins are fine. Raisins are optional.

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  11. I love the mini size!! Look at you baking bread again!! Thanks for stopping by my blog today! I'm glad you liked the Mint Oreo Truffles!! ♥- Katrina

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  12. Katrina- Soda bread doesn't have yeast. but I will be getting on the yeast bandwagon soon!

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  13. With mini versions we give ourselves excuse to indulge some more! And it feels good!!! Wonderful yummy creations Becky, thank you for sharing and have a great Sunday :)

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  14. I love the idea of making mini breads, they are adorable and look absolutely delicious!

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  15. I love how you made them into mini sized breads, so cute! I just adore Irish Soda Bread and am really craving it now. :)

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  16. Love your mini irish soda breads, Becky. now everyone can enjoy their own bread :)
    thanks for sharing this delicious recipe

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