I?m Not Irish Soda Bread

I?m so not Irish.  I mean, I have pale skin and freckles, but that?s about it.  Oh, and I like beer.  That?s where any similarities end. 

I?m not even that into St. Patty?s Day.  I always would go out for drinks, but that?s about it.  I do however, like a theme.  Usually you can find me wearing socks that are appropriate for a holiday or whatever the day calls for.  I like wearing colors that go with the holiday, and of course?the food.

I used this St. Patty?s Day as an opportunity to try out my new bread machine that I got from the CSN store cookware.com.  I use my bread machine at least once a week to make challah, and it was on it?s last leg.  We had received it as an engagement gift, and it was really time for a new one.  After a lot of research, I chose the Cuisinart CBK-200.  I love having so many preprogrammed options for different types of breads.  I also thought it looked sleek (though really big), and people seemed to love it.

Hello friend?

Since I?m a little kid when it comes to new toys, I had to immediately wash it and use it within moments of tearing the box open.  I decided that in the spirit of St. Patty?s Day, it would be great to make an Irish Soda Bread.  Mind you, I?ve never made one before and hadn?t had any in years so I didn?t even know if I would like it, but it seemed like a smart choice.

I turned to Bread Machine Magic for a recipe that I knew wouldn?t disappoint.  The only problem is that I was sans buttermilk.  Then I remembered a little trick?did you know you can make your own buttermilk?  Here?s how:

Use one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice, and enough milk or plain yogurt to equal a cup. 

Pretty cool, right?

So anyway, I chose to make a 1.5 lb. loaf.  Here?s the recipe:

Combine all ingredients in your bread pan.  Select a Medium Crust and the Whole Wheat Cycle.  Let your bread machine do it?s job.

4 hours and 25 minutes it was done.  An oddly shaped Irish Soda Bread.

 
It rose nicely, but came out a little bit uneven.  I have no idea why, and frankly don?t care.  For something like this, I?m more concerned with flavor and texture than aesthetics.

This made for a yummy breakfast with a little Earth Balance and a grapefruit!

Made me feel a little Irish

Now I?m excited to play some more with my bread machine.  Of course I?ll make challah tomorrow, I can?t wait to see how this dough comes out!  I?m excited for more experiments, and definitely glad I chose this machine.  Thank you so much CSN for your generosity!

Any big St. Patty?s Day plans?  Green beer and bagels?