The Luck Of The Irish(Mary'S Irish Bread)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Cuisine: Irish

A hearty Irish bread filled with raisins, featuring a tender crumb and a touch of sweetness, perfect for breakfast or with afternoon tea, appealing to all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 c. flour
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1/4 c. shortening or margarine
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 1/2 c. sour cream
  • 1 c. raisins

Instructions

  1. Mix all the ingredients well.
  2. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
  3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50 minutes.
  4. Cover the bread with tinfoil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the sour cream with plain yogurt. If you want a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure to mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid a dense texture. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This bread is delightful when served warm with a pat of butter. It pairs beautifully with Linda J'S Chutney Dip for a savory-sweet combination. For a complete meal, enjoy it alongside a hearty soup or salad. It also makes a wonderful breakfast option, especially when toasted and topped with jam or honey.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for a fresh taste.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of The Luck Of The Irish(Mary'S Irish Bread) contains roughly 753 calories, with 15g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value) and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

753 kcal 38% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.6g 29% DV
Total Fat 31.1g 40% DV
Carbs 104.5g 38% DV
Fiber 3.1g 11% DV
Sugar 9g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 399.9mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 20mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 111.1mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 0.8mg 1% DV
Calcium 252.6mg 19% DV
Iron 4.5mg 25% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 fresh fruit instead of raisins?

Yes, you can substitute fresh fruit like chopped apples or cranberries for raisins. Just be sure to reduce the liquid slightly to account for the moisture content in fresh fruit, which may affect the batter's consistency.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the bread's structure. The results should be just as delicious.

What can I do if my bread is too dry?

If your bread turns out dry, it may have been overbaked. To remedy this for future batches, check for doneness a few minutes earlier. You can also brush the baked bread with melted butter or serve it with a side of whipped cream or a fruit spread to add moisture.

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).

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