not irish. but i love the soda bread.

top of the morning. and happy st. patrick's day to all the little leprechauns out there. i am not irish, like, not even a little bit.

But my brother looks Irish and has an Irish name (Bryan Patrick):

and so does his daughter, Olivia:

ps. isn't my livie love bug the cutest ever?

Don't they look like they have some Irish blood? ... maybe this counts for something? no? ...ok moving on..

While I lack the Irish blood, I still have a serious love for Irish Soda Bread.

DELICIOUS!

My mom's bffl makes the most outstanding Irish Soda Bread and always sends a few loaves over to my parents house to share. The recipe is top secret and sacred, so in lieu of having one of my own,  I am going to share Ina's with you. because Ina is good. And so is green beer, which I am going to enjoy today over lunch with some coworkers. 

Ina's Irish Soda Bread

• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for currants
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1 3/4 cups cold buttermilk, shaken
• 1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1 cup dried currants

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the butter and mix on low speed until the butter is mixed into the flour.

With a fork, lightly beat the buttermilk, egg, and orange zest together in a measuring cup. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture. Combine the currants with 1 tablespoon of flour and mix into the dough. It will be very wet.

Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and knead it a few times into a round loaf. Place the loaf on the prepared sheet pan and lightly cut an X into the top of the bread with a serrated knife. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. When you tap the loaf, it will have a hollow sound.

Cool on a baking rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.