Recipes for the Soul----Bread Machine Irish Soda Bread

March 8, 2002

< DIV> Bread Machine Irish Soda BreadSome tips before you make your soda bread: Sift the dry ingredientstogether several times to ensure that the soda is well distributed.Do not over handle the dough. Shape the dough into a domed circle,then slice an X into the top to help the bread "flower" properly.2 cups bread flour1-cup whole-wheat flour1/4 cup powdered buttermilk2 T cornmeal1 1/2 tsp salt1/2-teaspoon baking soda1-cup water1 large egg2 T molasses1 T honey1 3/4 tsp bread machine yeast3/4-cup currants1 T caraway seeds2 T butterCombine flours, buttermilk, cornmeal, salt, baking soda, water, egg,molasses, honey, butter, and yeast in the bread machine and process onthe dough setting.

Add the currants and caraway seeds just before thefinal kneading.

Remove from the machine, punch down, and cover withthe bread machine "pan."

Let dough rest for 15 minutes.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Punch the dough down, and form it into an 8-inch circle, slightly flattened.

Place the dough on the parchment paper, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise until nearly doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 375F degrees.

Remove the plastic wrap and cut a large X into the top of the doughwith a sharp knife.

Bake for 15 minutes on the middle oven rack, thenreduce the oven temperature to 350F degrees and bake for an additional15 minutes, or until brown and done through.

Serve warm.