Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

Yesterday as I was sitting down to my computer I was thinking,” I should look for a recipe for an Irish Soda bread. That would really be fun to make.”  I uploaded my new emails and there it was,  an email from VegNews that said “Irish Soda Bread recipe”. Evidently, I was channeling the luck of the Irish so of course I made the bread. This Irish Soda bread is packed with dried fruit and nuts. You will see my additions in the recipe.

Photo By: S. Duquet

It is a compassionate version of the authentic one and I think it just may dazzle you as it has me.  It is dense and crusty on the outside with a beautifully soft center.

Irish Soda Bread

From: Robin Robertson of VegNews

Makes 1 loaf (just enough for one hungry Irish girl)

Ingredients:

1-1/4 cups soy milk (I used unsweetened vanilla soy)
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon canola oil (I used olive oil because that was what I had)
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup raisins (I used dried blueberries and raisins and added 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts)

Make It Happen:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine the soy milk, vinegar, and oil in a bowl and set aside. (By adding the vinegar to the milk you are making a faux buttermilk so don’t be alarmed if it looks curdled.)

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until blended. Stir in the raisins. Add the soy milk mixture and mix well to make a stiff dough.

3. Shape dough into a round loaf and place on a lightly-oiled baking sheet. Pat the top down slightly, then use a sharp knife to cut an X shape on top. Bake until golden brown, about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

Photo By: S. Duquet

I cut mine right away and consumed 1/4 of the loaf. It was so good that I wanted to throw it out so it couldn’t taunt me from the kitchen any longer. Its slight hint of sweetness and brick like density made it the quintessential,  soul satisfying companion to a steaming hot bowl of your most favorite  soup. The dried fruit adds so much flavor and texture to the  bread. It was ridiculously easy yet impressive right out of the oven.

Photo By: S. Duquet

I can’t actually pinpoint what it is about this bread that has me so smitten, but I am in a stranglehold of Irish Soda bread lovin. As soon as I finish writing I am going to pad into the kitchen in my socks,  make a pot of Irish tea for two, grab Sandy and consume another 1/4 of the loaf.

Have a delicious St. Patrick’s Day.

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