Please don't hate me for not visiting your blog, okay?
I am so frustrated with no laptop and no phone! But the worst thing about this is my backache. Ever since I started using my husband's computer and his chair, my back has been killing me! And it's only getting worse. So not only am I not able to visit your blogs regularly, I am not able to post regularly either. I need to cut down on computer time until I get my laptop back. So, I am really, really sorry for not visiting you!
I had this post done a while ago, and never had pictures. So today after I fixed this bread for dinner, I decided to take some pictures. Unfortunately, the sun was already on its way down, and these pictures were taken in really low light. I'm sorry for the low quality!
I am apologizing a lot in this post. I'm sorry about that!
Anyhoo, the pictures may be poor, but the bread wasn't! It was a really tasty, delicious smelling bread. I started off with Ina Garten's recipe for Irish Soda bread, and made some changes to it, after reading some reviews and some other recipes. This really worked well for me, and it was very easy & quick too! Loved it!
Irish Soda Bread
Adapted from Ina Garten
Ingredients
500g (4 cups) all purpose flour
3 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
4 tbsp butter, cold & diced
430ml (1 3/4 cup) buttermilk, cold
1 large egg
Oatmeal for sprinkling (optional)
Method
1. Lightly grease a baking tray, or cover with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 400.
2. Combine the flour, sugar, salt, soda and baking powder in the mixer bowl. Stir until combined.
3. Add the butter and combine with the mixer on low until the butter is mixed into the flour mixture.
4. In a small bowl, beat the egg and buttermilk together.
5. With the mixer running on low, slowly pour the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture.
6. Once combined, stop mixing. Do not over-mix. The dough will be wet, and lumpy. That's just fine.
7. Transfer onto a very well-floured work surface. Knead a few times, and form into a round loaf.
8. Transfer to the baking sheet. Score the top of the bread to form a cross, using a serrated knife.
9. If desired, sprinkle the top with oatmeal.
10. Bake for about 45 minutes until the loaf is golden brown, and the base of the loaf sounds hollow when knocked.
11. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
I love the texture of this bread. It is sort of in between a bread and cake. Soft, yet with a bite to it. I especially love the crust! Chewy, yet flaky at the same time. And just plain delicious! Everyone enjoyed this bread, and when I asked my husband if he thought I should make this bread again, he said 'yes'. And let me tell you - that's mighty high approval!
I think my time at the computer is almost through. My back's signalling me now.
I feel old. Sigh.
I need some comfort food.
I pray that the next time I post, it will be from my laptop, with me sitting in my comfortable spot. And my backache will have vanished.
But for now, I have bread.
I am so frustrated with no laptop and no phone! But the worst thing about this is my backache. Ever since I started using my husband's computer and his chair, my back has been killing me! And it's only getting worse. So not only am I not able to visit your blogs regularly, I am not able to post regularly either. I need to cut down on computer time until I get my laptop back. So, I am really, really sorry for not visiting you!
I had this post done a while ago, and never had pictures. So today after I fixed this bread for dinner, I decided to take some pictures. Unfortunately, the sun was already on its way down, and these pictures were taken in really low light. I'm sorry for the low quality!
Anyhoo, the pictures may be poor, but the bread wasn't! It was a really tasty, delicious smelling bread. I started off with Ina Garten's recipe for Irish Soda bread, and made some changes to it, after reading some reviews and some other recipes. This really worked well for me, and it was very easy & quick too! Loved it!
Adapted from Ina Garten
Ingredients
500g (4 cups) all purpose flour
3 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
4 tbsp butter, cold & diced
430ml (1 3/4 cup) buttermilk, cold
1 large egg
Oatmeal for sprinkling (optional)
Method
1. Lightly grease a baking tray, or cover with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 400.
2. Combine the flour, sugar, salt, soda and baking powder in the mixer bowl. Stir until combined.
3. Add the butter and combine with the mixer on low until the butter is mixed into the flour mixture.
4. In a small bowl, beat the egg and buttermilk together.
5. With the mixer running on low, slowly pour the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture.
6. Once combined, stop mixing. Do not over-mix. The dough will be wet, and lumpy. That's just fine.
7. Transfer onto a very well-floured work surface. Knead a few times, and form into a round loaf.
8. Transfer to the baking sheet. Score the top of the bread to form a cross, using a serrated knife.
9. If desired, sprinkle the top with oatmeal.
10. Bake for about 45 minutes until the loaf is golden brown, and the base of the loaf sounds hollow when knocked.
11. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
I love the texture of this bread. It is sort of in between a bread and cake. Soft, yet with a bite to it. I especially love the crust! Chewy, yet flaky at the same time. And just plain delicious! Everyone enjoyed this bread, and when I asked my husband if he thought I should make this bread again, he said 'yes'. And let me tell you - that's mighty high approval!
I feel old. Sigh.
I need some comfort food.
I pray that the next time I post, it will be from my laptop, with me sitting in my comfortable spot. And my backache will have vanished.
50 comments:
Not sure why you're apologizing! Lovely. Looks scrumptious and ready to eat.
I
I think we need to take out ads pointing this out as real Irish Soda bread . This is what I grew up on and was surprised when I came to the US and saw a fairly sweet white bread.
The bread looks delicious and the pictures are absolutely fine! I hope your back feels better!
I love how you're apologizing for the apologies!! LOL! The pictures are fine and all the blogs will be there when you get back.
Marsha-I feel for you re: the computer issues, and the back pain. My computer chair seat collapsed (old chair) screw loose, and seat tipped over letting me fall on the floor...pulled neck and back; I've been seeing my chiropractor for a month now, just starting to get better. Also w/house sitting for daughter, having to use their computer is not the same, but managed to post on my blog.
Hope things will get situated for you soon!
On a happier thought, I have just the right comfort food for you on my latest post...just bring the Irish soda bread...yumm!
Also, I have an award waiting for you to claim when you are able to comment back. Congratulations!
Take care...things will work out for you soon I hope:DDD
xo
Quit apologizing, be kind to yourself and take care of that backache. This bread was a wonderful start. Hope you have a great weekend.
--Gina-
Oh my if these are bad photos I hate to think what people think of mine as these rock. And the bread is incredible. I've made it a few times for school functions. It's been my go to item for projects revolving around where their families come from. They can choose french canadian or irish,, for some reason they always choose irish. I think it's the bread. Lol!
There is no need for apologies. Us bloggers know that we all have times that cause our blogging or visiting activities down. The bread looks so good. I really need to give it a try. Thanks for sharing and I hope you get your own computer back soon.
Don't worry! Life gets in the way of blogging...stop saying sorry. :)
I love love love soda bread!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it :) Thank you for stopping by!
That's an awesome compliment... I noticed you grew up in Ireland! Wow... you made my day! :) Thank you for your thoughtful comment, and for stopping by! :)
My back is better already :) Thanks for the encouragement! :) Appreciate it... Thank you, Maris!
LOL :D Thank you so much for stopping by!
Oh no! How awful... I am so glad you 're getting better! yes, I hope things get sorted out for both of us soon :) And yes, this is some pretty yummy comfort food - homemade bread really hits the spot :) I checked out your recipe, and it is yummy! Thanks for the thoughtful comment, and for stopping by!
Thank you, Gina! I will :) Hope you are having a wonderful weekend too! :)
Thank you so much... That's so encouraging! :) I think this is quickly becoming my go to recipe too! :) I agree - it must be the bread! :) Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you, Nancy! Life does get in the way sometimes :) I'm starting to learn that... 4.5 months blogging, and I've had quite few breaks already :) The bread really is yummy! Thanks for stopping by!
:) Thanks, Kate! :) I love soda bread too! Thanks for stopping by!
Limited computer time.....this sounds like the road to madness. :) I hope you are feeling better toot sweet. Such a tasty looking bread.
The pictures turned out great. It looks really delicious.
I hope that your back feel better real soon. By the way, I think the pictures look just fine. I love Irish soda bread. It is a favorite. Thank you for your visit to my blog and for leaving a comment. I really look forward to it. Please feel better soon and rest. Blessings, Catherine xo
Your bread looks so fresh and perfect. Like bakery quality. I love soda bread but never tried it myself so I will definitely be giving your recipe a shot soon. The pictures are amazing girl!
A friend recently told me about soda bread and it's definitely on my to-do list. Looks good! :)
Your blog is witty and yummy... nice food photos. How do you do it? Do you SLEEP?
Seriously, I look forward to making some of your food. I have a REAL oven now! Where, may I ask, do you buy silken tofu in our dear city? And where do you buy your fruits and veggies? Share your shopping secrets, por favor!
Oh NO! Dear Marsha, please be so careful and glad to hear you're limiting time, at least. I'm praying for you that your back gets better - as believe me, I know how it can not only slow you down but the pain is draining. Hope your computer comes back soon and take it easy. Good for you for even attempting the bread. It looks SO good.
Take good care of yourself, my friend - and ensure that you get as much help on the simple errands at home as much as poss. J xo
Believe me when I say madness is just around the corner :) I am better though! Thank you :) And thanks for stopping by!
Thank you so much, Jackie! :) Appreciate it :)
Thank you, Catherine! :) I am glad you think so... I really enjoy visiting your blog too! You make some awesome food.. :) Thanks for the get well wishes too! :)
Bakery quality! :D You are so sweet & made me feel so good... I hope you try this recipe... It worked really well for me :) Thanks for the compliments & for stopping by!
It should be... Soda bread rocks! :) Thank you so much for stopping by & commenting :)
Awww... Thank you, Stacy! You are so sweet to visit & comment! :) Sometimes I wonder how I get things done too. It's a mystery, really :)
I bought my silken tofu at the Nuts & Spices in Kilpauk... I think it should be available in all the Nuts & Spices. They had a 'two for the price of one' deal when I bought it. I buy nuts & dried fruit there too... :) Fresh fruits & veggies - nowhere special - Nilgiris, mostly. Sometimes in Palamudhir-type vegetable stores. If you are looking for something in particular, just email me or text me, and I will try to help you! Thanks again for stopping by & encouraging me :)
Oh, and congrats on the new oven! :D
Thank you for your sweet comment & for your prayers, Jill! I have cut back on computer time - drastically! And I am doing much better already... I hope my computer comes back this week, as promised by the repair place! The good thing is that I have a lot of help at home... Thank you for being such a good friend! :)
Oh dear - when your back demands attention, you've got to listen. This soda bread is excellent comfort food. Smothered in butter, it is one of my favourite "all's right with the world" foods.
My boyfriend is 1/4 Irish and has red hair, and I've been wanting to cook something Irish for him. This looks just perfect :)
LOOKS so great! I can eat bread EVERY DAY! Especially this kind! It looks so delicious!
We just started following your blog! Cannot wait for new recipes!!
Love,
http://chickswholovetoeat.blogspot.com/
Glad to know your back is feeling better! I adore soda bread and would love one of those slices to hop through the computer screen onto my plate! I'm SO happy you'll be joining the secret recipe club next month :)
So sorry to hear about your back!!! Take some rest and don't worry about visiting other blogs... I know it's easier said than done (I was unable to do that too for a few days and felt soooo bad!), but health comes first! <3
I love the look of this bread! I love freshly baked bread... doesn't the whole house smell fantastic when you bake bread????? :-)
BTW... I got Jill's book and it is AMAZING! Thank you so much for holding the giveaway!!! <3
So sorry to hear about your back pains. Hope they go away in no time. No need to apologize, we'll be here whenever you get your laptop back.
Take some time and relax and enjoy this delicious bread.
Since I cut down computer time, my back is much better! :) I so agree with your view of bread! Thanks for stopping by...
A red-headed Irishman... how neat! :) I hope he likes it! Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you, Amy! :) And thanks for the follow too! I look forward to visiting your blog too... Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you, Lizzy! I wish I could send you some :) I think it'll be a month or so before I can join. I'm still at 53 recipes, and I need 60 :) Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you, Manu... I am feeling much better now... :) I love the smell of fresh bread... It is one of my favorite smells in the world :) I am so glad you received the book! I will be sure to tell Jill :) Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for the sweet & thoughtful comment, Roxana! I really appreciate it... I did get some good rest. Thanks for stopping by!
You are truly one of the sweetest bloggers out there! I don't know how you get so many comments in! I never really get a chance to say thanks, but we read and enjoy each and every one of them!
I know what you mean about using the husband's computer... my computer time here is sorely limited and I'm lucky to get a post done let along spend any time that I would like to comment. Thanks to you!!
And now for the bread... yes, please! I love this type of bread, my mom used to make it and I love it! I haven't made it for years, I really need to do it myself.
The blog looks GREAT and your photos are beautiful!
I really enjoy visiting your blog, and commenting is a pleasure... I know how much comments mean to us bloggers, and so I try to leave as many as I can... It's getting harder these days with life getting busier and busier, but I try :) Yeah thanks for the empathy about the computer usage... It's not fun... Glad you like the bread recipe... Can't wait to see yours! :) Thanks for stopping by!
Coming from you, that is really an amazing compliment! Renee likes my pictures! Yay :) Thank you! You made my day :) And thank you for stopping by & commenting :) Hugs...
That bread looks pretty tasty! The smell of freshly baked bread makes it all the more pleasing to eat, don't you think? In any case, when you're feeling back problems due to the chair, try stretching. One cause of back pain is staying in one position for a long period of time.
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