Irish Soda Bread Day.

We celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Irish Soda Bread. It's my son's all-time favorite bread.

There's the recipe...

Adding both all-purpose and whole wheat flour...

Stir up the dry ingredients first...

Cut in the butter and pour in the soured milk...

It all comes together into a big, rough mass...

Pat the dough into a big, round ball and cut a big 'X' across the top...

And an hour or so later, when the craggy mess comes out of the oven smelling of browned butter and sweet floury goodness, you may take one little slice to tide you over until waiting until St. Patrick's Day when the bread is at its best after sitting a spell and it's eaten with jam slathered on its side...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!! And don't forget to put a few crumbs under your pillow for the leprechaun!

***A note about this bread... This bread is like a very large biscuit and it is rather dense. It bakes for over an hour until it is almost hard on the outside. It is best if you can let it rest for a few hours before slicing----after resting, it is easier to slice. It's a great keeper and is even better the next day!