Cranberry Soda Bread Recipes

CRANBERRY ORANGE IRISH SODA BREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a cookie sheet with a silicone mat or a piece of parchment paper, or coat with non-stick spray.
• In a large bowl, mix together the four cups flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
• Add the butter and with a pastry blender or your fingers, squeeze and mix the butter in with the flour mixture until the butter is about the size of peas.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and orange zest.
• Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon just until the dough starts to come together. Add the dried cranberries and stir just until incorporated. The dough will be wet and sticky.
• Spread some of the remaining flour onto a flat surface and turn the dough out onto it. Sprinkle a bit more flour over the bread and begin kneading, adding more flour as you go, until the bread is no longer sticky and you're able to knead it easily.
• Form dough into a round loaf and place on the baking sheet. With a sharp knife, cut an "X" into the top.
• Bake for 45 - 55 minutes, or until golden brown and the bread sounds a little hollow when you knock on it. You can also try using a cake tester just to be sure - when it comes out clean, it's done.
• Let cool for at least 10 minutes, then slice, butter, and serve. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap; keeps at room temperature for up to 3 days.

CRANBERRY SODA BREAD

Steps:

• Combine the cranberries and whiskey (or hot water). Cover and set aside to rehydrate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours.
• Preheat oven to 375°F for at least 30 minutes (while the cranberries soak, if not soaking early) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, soda, salt and optional caraway. Cut butter into flour with two knives, a pastry cutter, or your fingertips. Add honey, buttermilk and cranberries (with their liquid). Stir with a wooden spoon until combined.
• Knead on a lighty-floured work surface until smooth. It will still be sticky; do not add too much flour. Form into a rough boule 6-8" in diameter and 1 1/2 to 1 3/4" thick. Slash an X into the top with a sharp knife, about 1/2" deep.
• Bake in preheated oven 55-60 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer to a rack to cool completely. If you prefer a softer crust, cover with a kitchen towel while cooling.

ROSEMARY AND CRANBERRY SODA BREAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F/gas mark 7).
• Sift the flour, bread soda and salt into a bowl. Stir the cranberries and rosemary through and make a well in the centre. Add the buttermilk and using a large spoon, mix gently and quickly until you have achieved a nice soft dough. Add a little bit more buttermilk if necessary, until the dough binds together without being sloppy.
• Knead the dough very lightly on a lightly floured surface and then shape into a round that is roughly 15cm (6in) in size. Place on a non-stick baking sheet and cut a deep cross in the top.
• Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 200°C (400°F/gas mark 6) and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the loaf is evenly golden and crusty. To check that the bread is properly cooked, tap the base - it should sound hollow. If it doesn't, return it to the oven for another 5 minutes.
• Transfer the cooked soda bread to a wire rack and leave to cool for about 20 minutes. This bread is best eaten while it's still warm.
• To serve, place the soda bread on a breadboard and cut into slices at the table. Have a dish of butter to hand for spreading.