Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rosie's Hearty Irish Soda Bread?
It is a traditional quick bread recipe featuring a fluffy texture achieved through the use of sour cream and eggs, enriched with raisins and caraway seeds.
Who is the source of this recipe?
The recipe was passed down from a friend of the author's mother who originated from Ireland.
What makes this Irish soda bread unique?
Unlike some standard recipes, this version uses sour cream and fresh eggs for extra richness and an exceptional rise.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 16 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 160 calories.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What type of pan is required?
A 9-inch greased springform pan is recommended for this bread.
What are the primary dry ingredients?
The dry ingredients include sifted all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
How much flour is needed?
You will need 3.5 cups of all-purpose, sifted flour.
Is the sour cream used at a specific temperature?
Yes, the 1 pint of sour cream should be at room temperature.
How many eggs are used?
The recipe calls for 2 large, beaten eggs.
Are caraway seeds mandatory?
They are listed as optional but are highly recommended for the unique traditional flavor.
How should the raisins be prepared?
The recipe uses 0.75 cup of raisins, which can be plumped in warm water before adding if desired.
What is the texture of the batter?
The batter will be quite thick once the wet and dry ingredients are combined.
How do I prevent the batter from sticking to my hands?
Dust your hands with a little bit of flour before patting the batter down into the pan.
Why do you score the top of the bread?
A shallow crisscross pattern is made on top to add a decorative touch and to help the bread bake evenly.
How long does the bread need to bake?
Bake the bread for approximately 50 minutes.
How do I know when the bread is finished baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the bread cool in the pan?
Allow it to cool in the springform pan for about 10 minutes.
Where should the bread finish cooling?
After the initial 10 minutes in the pan, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 4.4g of fat.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 2.9g of protein in each serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a slice?
Each slice contains 29.3g of carbohydrates.
What category of food does this fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a Quick Bread.
Can this bread be served with soup?
Yes, it is excellent when served alongside soup or slathered with butter.
Does the recipe use baking soda or baking powder?
It uses both: 0.5 teaspoon of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 0.5 cup of granulated sugar.
Is this a sourdough bread?
No, it is a soda bread, though 'sourdough' is mentioned as a descriptive tag for its tangy profile.
How much salt is included?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
How many caraway seeds should I add?
Use 2 tablespoons of caraway seeds for the best flavor.