Spotted Dog - aka Irish Soda Bread (at least by Americans)

Traditionally in Ireland soda breads consisted of flour, baking soda and soured milk and that's it. It was not something only made on special occasions or feasts but something they ate everyday and had to be baked at least every couple of days. When a recipe for soda bread contains raisins, currants or caraway seeds it is no loner considered and an Irish Soda Bread but instead a "Spotted Dog." Because I love the currants and caraway seeds, mine will be called Spotted Dog from now on.



Irish Spotted Dog

4 cups flour
2 T sugar
1 t salt
1 t baking soda
1/2 T caraway seeds
3/4 cup currants or raisins
1 3/4 cup almond milk mixed with 1 T lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (set aside)
1/4 cup plain soy yogurt

preheat oven to 425f

grease a cast iron skillet

Add flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, seeds and currants or raisins to a large bowl. Add the soured almond milk and yogurt to the bowl and stir to make a sticky dough. Place dough on a floured surface and knead lightly. Shape dough into a round, flattish loaf and place in skillet. Cut a cross into the top of the loaf and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Bread is done when golden brown and sounds hollow when gently tapped on the bottom.