Kids Cuisine

Traditionally served alongside the St. Patrick’s Day corned beef and cabbage, this quick bread is really so good and easy, I’m starting to believe it might become a staple in my home. I like to use yogurt because it produces a wonderfully moist soda bread that actually stays moist for a couple of days (if it lasts that long). Using half whole-wheat flour increases the nutritional value and doesn’t affect the taste much, if at all. If your children don’t like raisins, just leave them out or substitute dried cranberries, cherries, or blueberries instead. Kids can help with the measuring, butter-cutting, mixing, and kneading.

Irish Soda Bread

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup plain yogurt or buttermilk
• 1/2 cup raisins, optional
• 1 egg, beaten, for egg wash

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine white flour, wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar. Cut in butter until mixture has the texture of coarse cornmeal. In a separate small bowl, use a fork to beat together 1 egg and yogurt. If using raisins, stir them into the yogurt mixture.
3. Pour yogurt mixture into the flour mixture and combine just until dry ingredients are moistened. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly for 8 to 10 turns, just until dough forms a cohesive ball. Place dough on the baking sheet and form into a nicely rounded loaf, approximately 6 inches in diameter. Using a sharp paring knife, cut a 4-inch cross into the top of the dough.  Brush loaf with egg wash and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown on top and the interior of the cross cut appears dry. When thumped lightly on the bottom, the bread should sound hollow.
4. Let cool at least 15 minutes to avoid crumbling when cut. Serve warm with butter.

Makes 1 loaf (about 12 slices)