A traditional soda bread boozed up with some Irish whiskey–can it get better than that?
YIELDS
5
TO
7
Ingredients
Guinness Glaze
Half a pint of Guinness
7oz white sugar
Bread
2oz -50g sultanas
2floz - 40ml Irish whiskey
15oz - 450g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 teaspoon table salt
12floz - 350ml buttermilk
2 tablespoons milk, for brushing
4oz ‘- 100g butter, to serve
2oz - 50 ml Guinness glaze, to serve
Directions
Guinness Glaze
Place half a pint of Guinness in a large saucepan and add 7oz white sugar. Slowly bring to a simmer and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the liquid has reduced by half or coat the back of the spoon. It might take longer or a shorter time depending on the heat under the saucepan.
Remove from the heat and set aside to cool. Keep in a jug or bottle and store in the fridge for a few months.
Bread
Preheat the oven to 160°C/325°F/gas mark three.
Place the sultanas with the whiskey in a small container. Keep aside to marinate for 30 minutes or overnight if possible. Once plump, keep in the whiskey until needed.
Dust a baking tray with flour.
Sift the flour and bicarbonate of soda into a large bowl. Add the salt. Stir to combine the ingredients.
Add the sultanas and the whiskey. Pour in the buttermilk and mix until a soft and sticky dough forms.
Put the dough on a well-floured work surface and knead for a minute or two.
Shape into a flattened ball and place on the prepared baking tray.
Brush the loaf lightly with milk and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until it sounds hollow when tapped on the base.
Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes.