March Events

March has always been a sign of spring ! We can still have snow but it still it seems like warmer weather is just around the corner. There are many wonderful things to celebrate in March,my Mom's birthday, and of course we cannot forget St. Patrick's Day.One of the best recipes that came out of Ireland in my mind is corned beef and cabbage,this is a personal favorite.


Another favorite and one I want to share the recipe for is Irish Soda Bread,I hope you will try it and let me know how you liked it. Also check out my other recipe at:


http://www.havefunbaking.com

Irish Soda Bread

4 cups flour
3 tablespoons sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
6 tablespoons cold butter or margarine
1-1/2 cups raisins
1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional)
2 eggs beaten
1-1/2 cups buttermilk

In a large bowl combine first five ingredients.Cut in butter until mixture
resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the raisins and caraway seeds.Set aside
1 tablespoon of beaten egg. In a bowl combine buttermilk and remaining egg.
Stir into crumb mixture just until moistened. Dough will be sticky. Turn onto
a well-floured surface knead about 10 times.Do not over-knead or bread will be
tough. Shape into a ball.
Place on a well-greased cookie sheet. Cut a 4 inch x about 1/4 inch deep on top.
Brush with remaining egg and bake at 350 degrees F. for 1 hour and 20 minutes.
For last 20 minutes if top is getting to brown cover loosely with tin foil. Test with
a toothpick near the centre. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from the sheet
to a wire rack to cool completely.

Everyone Must Eat

Not everyone likes to bake and cook.To some it is a chore that must be done to survive,unless you are wealthy and can eat out all the time or have someone prepare meals for you.
Then there are people like me!Baking and cooking is a passion!
I am just a home cook with no formal training who has over the years developed a love for baking and cooking.I enjoy making simple,great tasting recipes that everyone will like.
I spend many hours reading my cook books looking for recipes to make.I love to try new recipes and enjoy making my favorites as well.
I hope you will come back to my blog often to check out my recipes,offer your opinions and share your favorite recipes with me. Also check out my web site: http://www.havefunbaking.com




The first recipe I want to share is:

OLD FASHIONED BANANA BREAD WITH A TWIST

3 medium well ripened bananas

1/2 cup shortening or canola oil

1 cup white sugar

2 eggs

2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp.salt

1 cup undrained crushed pineapple

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Grease and flour one loaf pan.(9x5x3 in.)

Mash bananas set aside.Cream oil and sugar well; add eggs mix well.Combine flour,baking powder,baking soda,salt and cinnamon.Add to egg mixture with the mashed bananas and the crushed pineapple mix well. Stir in walnuts.Pour into loaf pan and bake 1 hour or until toothpick comes out clean.Let cool 10 minutes in pan then move to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!!!