Foody Friday: Irish Soda Bread and Irish Rice Krispie Pops

Irish Soda Bread

This bread was incredibly easy and yummy. Don't be intimidated to make this bread. Here is a little history for you. In most parts of Ireland, soda bread is shaped and baked as a round loaf with a cross marked on top. You may be surprised to learn that it isn't a religious symbol at all, nor was it to let the fairies out. In the old days, it was simply a practical method of dividing the baked bread into four quarters. Since soda bread is a simple bread to make and can be rustled up in minutes, an astonishing number of variations exist: wheaten, with raisins and caraway seeds, the treacle variety, or simply plain--all equally irresistible. Eat it warm with some homemade jam and you have a great snack or meal. Here is the recipe.

1/2 cup white sugar

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

3 cups raisins

1 tablespoon caraway seeds

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 1/4 cups buttermilk

1 cup sour cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9 inch round cast iron skillet or a 9 inch round baking or cake pan. In a mixing bowl, combine flour (reserving 1 tablespoon), sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, raisins and caraway seeds.

In a small bowl, blend eggs, buttermilk and sour cream. Stir the liquid mixture into flour mixture just until flour is moistened.

 Knead dough in bowl about 10 to 12 strokes. Dough will be sticky. Place the dough in the prepared skillet or pan and pat down. Cut a 4x3/4 inch deep slit in the top of the bread. Dust with reserved flour Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for 65 to 75 minutes. Let cool and turn bread onto a wire rack.

(Recipe from allrecipes.com)

Irish Rice Krispie Pops

You will love this twist on the classic Rice Krispie Treats. Fun for the kids to help out with too. Here is the recipe.

1 Package Marshmallows (10 oz.)

1/4 Cup Butter

1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract

6 Cups Rice Krispies Cereal

4 drops Green Food color

Melting White chocolate

Sprinkles

Popsicle Sticks

Melt butter in large saucepan over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Stir in vanilla and green food coloring. Pour into buttered dish to cool slightly.  Butter both hands (I just used the spray Pam). Mold rice krispie's into balls and form them to the Popsicle sticks. My 2 year old helped me with this part and had a lot of fun. Let harden for a few minutes. Melt white chocolate in microwave safe dish in microwave for 40 seconds, stirring every 20 seconds. Dip into white chocolate and then into sprinkles. Place in fridge to harden.