Making some Irish Soda Bread

 Below is the original post when I made this Irish Bread.  Today I decided to try the same recipe and make mini cups using the same batter.  Using my kitchen sheers I cut my mixed *dried berries into small pieces(it really didn't take much time) and folded them into the batter before I baked them. 

They are perfect for your morning tea or coffee and I definitely would make some for company. I also did a few in *small bread loaves to give as gifts.  We love them!  Here are a few of the photos.  They have no sugar in them, just the sweetness of the dried fruit.  Jam and cream goes perfect with them as well.  I love the idea and I just had to share.  Have a great holiday and a wonderful New year.  Love, M.j.

 I originally made this recipe for St. Patty's Day but last week I was at a small social gathering(tea) and they had some similar to these made in mini muffin pans.  I thought it was a great idea and the next time I make this recipe I'm trying it in the small muffin size.  Cute size for a bite or two.  Note:  Look for smaller pieces of *dried fruit or maybe cut some with kitchen shears in bitty pieces and add to batter before baking.  Adjust baking time as well.   Enjoy!

 

I've never made Irish Soda bread. When we have our Irish stew on St. Patty's Day I'm thinking of making this recipe I caught in a local newspaper insert.. When I saw what seems to be a very easy recipe for it I decided to give it a try.

  (Epicurious.com). I'm hoping to make two loaves for St. Patty's Day but just in case I don't get a chance to make it here is the recipe.  Enjoy!!  Happy Baking and Cooking!

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1 cup raisins(I used dried Cran raisin's for this recipe)

4 cups bread flour

1 tablespoons baking powder

1 tsp. salt

¾ tsp. baking soda

2 cups buttermilk

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

  Lightly grease a baking sheet.  Soak raisins in hot water for 5 minutes and drain.

In a large bowl, sift flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda.  Mix in raisins

Add buttermilk and stir to form a soft dough.  Turn onto a floured work surface; knead for 1 minute.

Cut dough in half and form 2 large round loaves.

Place on baking sheet.  Cut a large X in center of each loaf.  Bake for 45 minutes or until tester comes out clean.  Transfer to wire rack.

Hands on: 10 minutes.    Total: 55 minutes from start to finish.  Makes 2 loaves

3/16/13

Chocolate pecan pretzel pie!

 This has been on my I must make list for so very long so I'm sharing it today hoping you'll make it............

I have all the ingredients so I was joking above but if you happen to make it before I do and want to share it on my Facebook page I'd love it.

It doesn't look difficult so just maybe there will be a Easter dessert that I'll be serving on Easter for the family.


 1 refrigerated pie crust

2 eggs

1 cup light corn syrup

2 T unsalted butter, melted 

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1 tap. Grated orange zest 

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

2 cups pecans

1/4 cup mini pretzels broken in pieces

3/4 cup chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees

Fit crust crust into 9" in pie plate. Make sure you create a thick rim.  Crimp and refrigerate until ready to fill.

In a large bowl whisk eggs, corn syrup, butter,vanilla,sugar and orange zest cinnamon and salt.

Stir in pecans, pretzels and chocolate chips.  

Spoon mixture into prepared pie crust.

Bake for 30minutes.

Cover the pie with foil and bake until the filling is puffed and the center is set.  15 to 20 minutes more.  Transfer to rack and cool to room temperature.

Gifts, Gifts and more Gifts

How about some easy snacks for gift giving or some reasonable and affordable kitchen friendly items or for the person who loves plants here are several selections.

 Click on the highlighted link for a few as well as several other ideas in the post.

Hoping to help with your gift selections.

A great hostess gift that will be appreciated.

Hostess Gift  

Dollar store container filled with goodies.  Pennies to make.

Aprons for the kitchen king or queen

Cool Gifts  

A plant or herb they would enjoy.  Christmas Cactus or a pothos plant are beautiful and easy to maintain.  The cactus produces flowers this time of year the the Pothos plant comes in a variety of variagted or green leaves which is great for a low light areas.

Christmas Cactus

Pothos

 

Jade Plant

A colorful plant container(Rosemary plants) are available this time of year.  They are easily kept indoors for all year round herb use. This is my Rosemary that I took outside in summer after spending the winter inside my home.

Why not make a basket with some kitchen or garden tools?  I love mine!  Go to your local garden center or discount department stores and buy a inexpensive basket or garden container and fill with useful garden tools and supplies.  There are so many to choose from and as a person who loves anything garden friendly I would love anything from there.  Tools, plant spikes, gloves, etc.  They'll love it to name a few!



 For the baker or cook a new cookbook would be appreciated.

 
One more gift idea is a Gift card to their favorite grocery store.  Who wouldn't like that?  Practical and definitely would be appreciated.

I'm hoping some of these gift suggestions have been helpful and they won't break your gift budget either.

Ho ho ho and Merry Christmas to all! xo