Irish Soda Bread Certainly a well kept secret in many parts of the world, Irish soda bread can be made with a variety of different ingredients to suit even the most discerning palates and would be a welcome addition to any breakfast menu with your favourite bacon, sausages, etc. Or try it just on its own with some creamy Irish or New Zealand butter. This bread is sure to be a family favourite and have them coming back for more. Ingredients soft flour 1.2 kg baking powder 100 gm sugar 160 gm salt sq vegetable shortening 160 gm raisins 150 gm caraway seeds 1 tbs buttermilk sq Method    1. Sift the dry ingredients together and work in the shortening    2. Add the raisins and caraway seeds (both optional)    3. Slowly blend-in the milk to make a shaggy mass and knead for a few minutes on a floured surface    4. Divide the dough into 3, 400 gm pieces and mould into round loaves    5. Place them on a baking sheet, dust the top of each loaf with flour and score a cross into the top of each loaf with a sharp knife. Do not cut completely through the dough    6. Bake the loaves at 220ºC for 30 minutes, or until browned and cooked through Chef's Tip     Milk with a dash of vinegar can replace buttermilk Remember sq means sufficient quantities, which means add it to taste or use as much as is required. Chef Jos Wellman Tutor, author and restaurateur New Zealand

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