Doc'S Famous Irish Bread
Irish bread with raisins and caraway seeds offers a hearty, slightly sweet flavor profile, perfect for breakfast or tea time, appealing to bread lovers and those seeking traditional flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Work shortening into flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add baking soda, salt, sugar, caraway seed, and raisins to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Pour in the milk and mix until a dough forms.
- Place the dough in a large, greased iron skillet.
- Bake in a 400°F oven for 15 minutes.
- Reduce oven temperature to 300°F and continue baking for 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and dot with butter before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider replacing half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you don't have caraway seeds, anise seeds can be a delightful substitute. To enhance flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg. Ensure the shortening is well incorporated for a fluffy bread. This Irish bread can also be enjoyed with a spread of butter or jam.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Irish bread warm, sliced, and spread with butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with Low-Fat Carrot Salad for a light meal. You can also enjoy it alongside a hearty soup or stew for a comforting dinner. For a sweet touch, try it with honey or jam as a delightful breakfast option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Irish bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, place slices in a toaster or warm them in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Doc'S Famous Irish Bread contains roughly 999 calories, with 18g protein, 192g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (122% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), and iron (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2248mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use non-dairy milk in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute dairy milk with non-dairy alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk. Ensure the non-dairy milk is unsweetened to maintain the right flavor balance, especially since this bread already contains sugar.
Is it possible to make this bread without raisins?
Absolutely! You can omit the raisins or replace them with other dried fruits like cranberries or currants. Alternatively, for a nutty flavor, you could add chopped walnuts or pecans instead.
How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?
To check if the bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Additionally, the bread should have a golden-brown crust and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).