Busch Gardens Annie Grogan's Irish Soda Bread

Source: by Chef John Reilly, Food Director, Busch Gardens - 13News Lunchbreak Tuesday, May 15, 2001 Busch Gardens uses this bread as a bowl for their Irish Stew. This bread is awesome! They shape it into bread bowls that end up being about 6" in diameter and they are filling enough to feed two with the stew served in it. Can't wait to try this!

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 2 rounds

Ingredients

• 1 3⁄4 cups water
• 3  tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup shortening or 1⁄2 cup butter
• 5  cups white bread flour
• 3  tablespoons baking powder
• 2 1⁄2 tablespoons powdered milk
• 1 1⁄2 cups golden raisins
• 1  tablespoon caraway seed (optional)

Directions

1. Place all ingredients in mixing bowl, except raisins, and mix with paddle until incorporated.
2. Add raisins and mix for one minute more. Mixture is very soft.
3. Place mixture on well-floured surface and form into 2 equal round dough balls.
4. Place on either parchment paper or lightly greased sheet pan.Press top of dough down slightly and score or cut a cross on top of dough 1/2 to 3/4 inches into dough.
5. Bake in 350 degree F oven for 30 minutes. Let cool and serve. Makes 4 servings easy per round if sliced and served.