Irish Soda Farl for St Patty's Day

I have to confess I am a real old film buff. I could sit and watch old movies all day long . . . the black and white images don't bother me. I just adore them.

I think it's because they take me back to a simpler time . . .



A time when men were men, and women were women . . . a time of solid values and simple needs. There was no need to keep up with the Jones's . . .



Socks were darned and the washing was hung out on the line.

Perhaps I was born 30 years too late . . .



but then again . . . I do like my modern day luxuries, such as electric mixers, and hoovers, and dish washers . . . oh and big screen telly's and such. Not to mention that, if I had been born 30 years earlier, I'd probably be dead now . . . so . . . perhaps it's better that I was born when I was . . .



In fact, if I had a golden lantern to rub and my own personal Genie to wish upon . . .

nahh . . . I wouldn't change a thing . . .



Ok, so MAYBE I'd wish away a stone or two or three. That would be ok. I also wouldn't mind looking like Maureen O'Hara. A million pounds would also come in handy.

In honor of The Quiet Man, one of my favourite films and St Patrick's Day . . . Irish Soda Farl.



*Soda Farl*
Makes one 9 inch round soda bread
Printable Recipe

A delicious soda bread so named because it is made in a round shape, or "farl." Simple to make and very tasty split and buttered. Try the leftovers split, toasted, buttered and spread with jam for a breakfast treat the morning after baking. (Store any leftovers in an airtight container or bag)

280g plain flour (a generous 2 3/4 cup)
2 TBS caster sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 284ml carton of buttermilk (approximately 1 1/4 cup)
whole milk (if necessary)
1 TBS oil

Pre-heat the oven to 180*C/350*F. Butter a heavy 9 inch round baking dish well. Set aside.

Sift the flour into a bowl. Whisk in the sugar, baking powder, soda and salt, wisking all well together. Whisk together the buttermilk and oil. Stir all at once into the dry mixture to form a soft dough, without overmixing. It may be necessary to add a bit of milk as needed. You don't want it to be too dry, or too sticky. Dump into the prepared baking dish and spread out with floured hands to fit.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until risen and golden brown. Remove from the oven and turn out of the pan onto a wire rack to cool a bit before cutting into wedges to serve. Delicious!

Tune in tomorrow to see what I served this tasty bread with!