This is the bread of my childhood…with a little spice

This recipe is in thanks to my mother- whose Irish Soda Bread has stuck in my mind since I was a kid.

My great great grandparents came over from Ireland so this bread and recipe is one of my people.

My mom would make soda bread only in the cold months and we would eat it with stew or soup. But every time it was so comforting and delicious, and today I hope to share my vegan version of her recipe- with a little sweet twist.

This bread is very simple and comes together quickly! Perfect for the holiday season.

Enjoy :)

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Preheat: 450 F then to 400 F

Bake time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients:

4 - 1/2 cup flour (I use King Arthur Flour so I only used 4) See directions for more

2 tbs brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 3/4 - 2 cup unsweetened milk
2 tsp apple vinegar
3/4 cup soaked dates in hot water, drained & chopped (save date water see directions)
1/2 cup roasted chopped walnuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees

In a cup or glass measuring cup mix your milk and 2 tsp of vinegar together, set aside. Start with 1 3/4 and if you need to later add in the other 1/4.

In a large mixing bowl mix together your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, brown sugar. Start with 4 cups of flour and if you find your need more, just add it in 1/4 cup increments. Dough should be wet but not too sticky that it sticks to your fingers.

Once dry ingredients are incorporated create a hole or well in the center of the bowl and add in your “buttermilk”. Mix well until dough starts coming together. You can use a wooden spoon or your hands!

But remember do not over mix!! This is a no-knead recipe. Kneading too much will make it too tough

When the dough begins to form a ball add in your walnuts and chopped dates, and mix gently until well incorporated.

Add ball of dough to baking sheet lined with a layer of flour to prevent sticking

Form dough into desired shape and use a sharp knife to cut an X on the top to help the bread cook evenly. See pictures below

Optional: Use the date water to add to your homemade nut milk! Either use my walnut milk recipe or add 3-4 tbs almond butter to blender with 2-3 cups water (including the reserved date water) and blend until creamy!! Perfect non dairy milk in a pinch!!

Place bread in oven and bake at 450 degrees F for 15 mins then without opening the oven door turn it down to 400 degrees F for and bake for another 15-20.

Serve with butter and pair it with a cup of tea!

Enjoy :)