Nana's Favorite Irish Soda Bread With Whiskey Soaked Raisins

BecR's Note:

Our family favorite Irish soda bread recipe! Best served warm, cut into wedges, and slathered in real Irish butter. Delicious! A wonderful morning or afternoon snack with a cuppa, or serve as a traditional side to hearty Irish fare such as Stew, Cottage or Shepherd's Pie, or Corned Beef Dinner.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 50 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 1 round l ...

• 1 cup raisins (or dried currants)
• 4 tablespoons Irish whiskey (1 shot glass full plus 1 tablespoon)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 3 ½ cups flour
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 pint sour cream
• 2 eggs

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a small saucepan or in the microwave, bring the whiskey and honey to a boil and add the raisins or currants. Cover and off the heat. Set aside and let steep.
3. Butter a round 1 1/2 to 2 quart baking dish, set aside.
4. Add the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt together in a large bowl; use a wire whisk to combine.
5. In a small bowl, beat the eggs and stir in the sour cream, mixing well to combine.
6. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, stir well with a wooden spoon (batter will be thick).
7. Stir in the whiskey-soaked raisins or currants; blend well.
8. Turn batter into the prepared baking dish.
9. Dust the top with flour and pat the batter evenly in the pan with your hands.
10. Use a sharp knife to make a cross on the top.
11. Bake for 50 minutes in preheated 350 F oven.
12. Remove to a rack and let cool for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a serving dish. Cut into wedges and serve warm with real butter.

Reviews

[kmccart]

Absolutely delicious!! This was my first time attempting to make any kind of bread and the directions were specific enough that I came out with a tasty loaf that looked spectacular. The raisins have just the right amount of kick and the bread is pleasantly sweet. Overall, a well balanced and delicious recipe, the results of which I am hiding from my father so he doesn't eat the whole thing tonight!