Irish Soda Bread

It was a glorious Spring St Patrick's Day in Michigan!  68 degrees,sun, corned beef and green beer!! 
John is the Irishman in our family and I've had fun over the years making some lovely traditional meals, however, we celebrate St Patrick's Day American style.  Corned Beef in the pressure cooker, cabbage and potatoes fried in butter and Irish Soda Bread. 

I have made many soda bread recipes and the following comes from The KitchenAid Cookbook, which is hands down, our favorite.  Flavorful, moist and crusty bread that tastes great served sweet or savory.  I usually add raisins, but wasn't in a raisin mood today, so went with the plain version.

SOUR CREAM IRISH SODA BREAD
2 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup raisins
1 tablespoon caraway seed
1 tablespoon milk for brushing on top of loaf
1 tablespoon raw sugar for sprinkling

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Place flour, soda, salt and butter in mixing bowl.  Using the flat beater, mix about 2 minutes until mixture resembles crumbs.

Add remaining ingredients and mix about a minute until well blended.
Shape into a round on a greased baking sheet or stone, brush with milk and sprinkle with sugar or herbs. Bake 45-55 minutes until loaf is deep golden brown and crusty.  Let cool and serve with butter or jam.

I like to brush the top with a bit of milk and sprinkle with some raw sugar for a great crust and a bit of sweetness.  You could also sprinkle with fresh or dried herbs.  Dill is especially lovely and goes with the green theme! 

Tulips are sprouting!