It seems to be that heavy days (weeks) are best shared with bread. Especially on this blog. As we all try to navigate this hard time, and I wrestle to even talk about it here, why don’t we just make up a batch of fresh bread while we’re at it. Irish soda bread seems to be fitting. But, whatever you have room for in your pantry works too.
I truly believe this with all my heart: We are all going to be okay. But in the middle of this self-quarantine party we’re all hopefully having, I wanted to, instead share with you some activities that will no doubt win the day. Especially since these days might feel long.
Music for a Mood:
When you’re feeling stressed: Antonio Vivaldi, George Winston, Johann Sebastian Bach.
When you need to focus: Movie Scores. Philip Glass, James Horner, and Thomas Newman are some of my fave composers.
When you want to dance: The High School Musical soundtracks, Hillary Duff, Justin Bieber, The Shins, Lady Gaga, Missy Elliott, anything that makes you feel silly.
Movie Nights:
Since Daniel and I will be home together the remainder of the month, we’re going to have to find our own fun. Let’s re-watch some old movies, make tons of popcorn, have a Tom Hanks movie marathon, re-binge all the trilogies – make it fun.
Take a walk:
Nothing is going to stop me from taking a slow walk around the neighborhood. Picking some flowers along the way and breathing in the spring air. This is probably the most important of them all. Nothing sets my soul at ease better than a quiet stroll after dinner.
Phone a friend:
Let’s maybe call instead of text. Download those games like Words with Friends. Check in on your people, grandparents, the people we know who are burdened, the high risk, the elderly, the underprivileged. Make sure they have the food they need.
Find a way to bless someone:
Charitable giving is really just a Venmo away. Go grocery shopping for an immune-compromised friend. Buy gift cards from local businesses that are hurting. Order dinner for pick-up. Shop locally online. Pay your housekeeper, hairdresser, etc. even if you cancel the services. Do something small to make sure the world around us knows: We got your back.
Spring Cleaning:
This is a great time to dust off your home-to-do-list. Knock out a project every few days. I’m planning on doing just that. Whose cupboards need a deep clean? Who needs to consolidate their storage? Who feels like actually organizing that junk drawer?
Crafting:
Admittedly, I’m not a crafter. I’m really not. But I’m planning on making a floral wreath out of some felt scraps I’ve saved. Wish me all the luck and patience you can send.
Mood lifters:
Paint your nails, burn a candle, read a good book, take a bath, bake a cake, re-arrange a room, play a board game, do some yoga, make slime (just me?), flip through an old cookbook, make hot tea, do a facemask.
Please let me know in the comments if you have any other ideas. Spread love, joy and peace… not COVID-19.
Irish Soda Bread with Currants
A perfect whip-together-bread for any night of the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup currants
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups plain whole fat Greek yogurt
1 egg
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Grease a 9-inch cake pan or cast iron.
Combine the flour, currants, salt, baking soda together. Stir in the greek yogurt all at once until a shaggy dough apears. Roll out on a clean surface and knead just until the dough forms into a ball. Flatten out the ball slightly and place on to the prepared cake pan.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 teaspoon of water and brush the egg mixture onto the dough. Slice a large cross onto the top of the dough. tent with foil leaving enough room to expand.
Place in the oven for 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
Keeps fresh for up to 2-3 days
It’s been too long since I have made soda bread and your variation sounds amazing!
★★★★★