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With the semester so near its end, its safe to say we’re all a bit bogged down with stress. At times like these, its always fun to escape reality for a while and pretend to be someone else. This March 17th, if you’re not normally one to partake in the epic green bender of St. Patrick’s Day, why not try being Irish for a day? It is widely understood that the best way to learn about a new culture is to indulge in their food. A quick Google search gives you the best the internet has to offer on traditional favourites such as Irish stew and Guinness pie, but your truly has a tried and true Irish Soda Bread recipe adapted from her mom. This Irish Soda Bread is a trifecta of goodness: easy, cheap and fast. Not to mention easy for our lactose intolerant friends.
Soda Bread (Dairy free friendly)
Level: Easy
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup margarine*
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- ¾ cup milk*
* can be substituted with dairy free alternatives like lactose-free margarine and almond milk
My mother threw the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. She then chopped in the margarine with two butter knives to make a crumbly dough. In a separate bowl, add the lemon juice and milk together. After about 5 minutes, pour the milk mix into the dry ingredients and stir until the mix becomes moist (and a little sticky!). On a floured surface, knead the dough about 15 times and pat it out to a large dome. Mark it with a large X and pop in the oven at 425F for 20 minutes, or until it is a nice gold colour.
Extras: For scones on the run, knead in some freshly chopped (or dried!) herbs such as chives or a touch of rosemary. Toasted with a bit of butter, the herb scones are great with a Guinness. Alternatively, for tea, try adding dried fruit like raisins or cranberries. Add the fruit when you comine the dry ingredients together.
If green beer isn’t for you, give this Irish staple a go to feel festive. Alternatively, if you’re not up for cooking on a Sunday, and no one will blame you, hit up one of the many Irish pubs around town (see our uO App!). Whatever you do, “may your pockets be heavy, and your heart be light. May good luck pursue you each morning and night”.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day everybody!
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