Irish Soda Bread with Cheddar and Currants

So I realize that St. Patrick's day was yesterday.  Which means this post is a day late perhaps.  However, I am not the person who has their holiday recipes posted a week in advance.  I usually make my holiday recipe on that holiday, which means I deliver to you post holiday recipes.  Here's the cool thing, I think, you can make Irish soda bread any dang time you want.  Like this weekend.  Or right now.  This Irish soda bread starts with a super traditional recipe.  No butter, no sugar, no eggs (what happened to me, right? Totally out of character).  To this basic recipe I added currants and cheddar cheese.  Oh yes, raisins and cheddar do work together.  They will make your tummy happy.

Irish Soda Bread with Cheddar and Currants

2 cups all purpose flour

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups buttermilk (about)

1 cup currants

2 cups cubed Irish Cheddar cheese

Place the currants in a bowl and add a dash of cinnamon.  Pour just enough boiling water over the currants to cover them.  Let sit for 15 to 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 425F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl stir together the flour, wheat flour, baking soda, and salt.  Drain the water from the currants. Add the cheese and drained currants to the flour mixture and toss to coat.  Pour in the buttermilk and gently work the mixture until a shaggy dough forms.  Shape the dough into a slightly flattened ball and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Cut a large X into the top of the dough.  Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until golden brown.  Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.  Makes one loaf.

Enjoy!  -Cardamommy