Irish Freckle Bread
Irish Freckle Bread is a traditional sweet yeast bread featuring currants, mace, and a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or teatime, appealing to bread lovers and those craving a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the small potato in 1 cup water until tender.
- Mash the potato and add water to make 1 cup, then return to pan.
- Stir in currants or raisins.
- Cool the mixture to lukewarm.
- Put yeast into 1/2 cup warm water in a large bowl.
- Stir until the yeast dissolves.
- Stir in the potato mixture, beaten eggs, sugar, and melted margarine or butter.
- Stir in 2 cups of flour with salt and ground mace.
- Turn the dough onto a floured board and knead until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl.
- Let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough.
- Divide in half to form two 8-inch round loaves.
- Let the loaves rise again.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough. If you don't have currants, raisins work just as well, or you can even mix both for added texture. Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise, and knead the dough thoroughly for a light, airy bread.
Serving Suggestions
Irish Freckle Bread is delightful served warm with a pat of butter or alongside a cup of tea. It pairs beautifully with Carrots Diane for a heartier meal or can be enjoyed as a sweet snack with a drizzle of honey. You might also serve it with a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Irish Freckle Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the loaves in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer, where they can last for up to three months. To reheat, slice and toast the bread or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Irish Freckle Bread contains roughly 1868 calories, with 39g protein, 253g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (90% of the Daily Value), protein (77% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes, while all-purpose flour is recommended, you can substitute with whole wheat flour for a denser bread. If using whole wheat, you may need to adjust the water content slightly, as it absorbs more moisture.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or the environment being too cold. Ensure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warmer area, like near a preheated oven, to encourage rising.
Can I add nuts or seeds to the bread?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts or seeds can add a delightful crunch and flavor. Just fold in about half a cup of your choice, such as walnuts or sunflower seeds, during the mixing stage for a nutritious twist.
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).