Saint Patrick's day is coming, so while you're thinking about the best way to do your corned beef and cabbage (here's one idea):

http://foodsoftheworld.activeboards.net/forum_posts.asp?TID=341&title=st-patricks-day-corned-beef-and-cabbage

http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af203/TasunkaWitko/cornedbeefandcabbage-17mar2010-9.jpg

You also need to think about soda bread as well:

One of the most well-known Irish foods is soda bread. Served warm out of the oven or lightly toasted, this is one of the most comforting and tasty breads you can eat. Traditionally, soda bread is baked over a peat fire in a bastible pot, which allows it to be covered at least part of the time while baking. It is also one of the very easiest types of bread to make, making it a good choice for a beginning baker. To get you started, here are a few tips:

1) Make sure you have all the ingredients lined up before you begin.

2) Sift the dry ingredients together several times to ensure that the soda is well distributed.

3) Do not over-handle the dough.

4) Make a well in the dry ingredients, and quickly blend in the wet ingredients. Immediately turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board and knead for 1 minute.

5) Shape the dough into a domed circle, then slice an X into the top; this will help the bread to flower properly.

And here's the best recipe i've been able to find:

http://foodsoftheworld.activeboards.net/irish-soda-bread_topic333.html

Anything that produces results like this:

http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af203/TasunkaWitko/irishsodabread11.jpg

HAS to be good!

And believe me, the aroma coming from this stuff is to die for:

http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af203/TasunkaWitko/irishsodabread12.jpg

So take a look, give it a try, and decide if this is what you want to be serving on March 17th!

The last time I made thee ISB I said to meself; Dude this stuff would rock to use as biscuits and gravy. Same ingredients darn near anyway as biscuits.

I've been wanting to do the Irish soda bread for years! The stuff I buy is just not there. I'll saving this up for sure.

sLee - yep, every time i look at that close-up shot, that's what i am remembering.

Jim - this one is guaranteed good ~ the pix do NOT do it justice!

Thanks Tas, I'm going to give this one a shot!

dan - let me know how you like it, and post pix of results!

My dad always made this dinner for us on St. Patrick's day. He nailed the soda bread. He serves it along side the main course, but also slices up a loaf to go with appetizers including some lovely Irish cheeses. One of the best holiday meals in our household.

Irish cheeses? Can you elaborate? I've never thought about there being cheeses with Irish origins, makes sense though. I love experimenting with various cheeses.

That looks Great, Ron!!!

I can almost smell it, just looking at the pics!!!

Makes the whole house smell good!!!


Thanks,
Bear

One of my favorite breads. I'll dig my recipe out and compare it. I think it is really close though.