
The narrator in my book Foster helps Mrs. Kinsella with the cooking and housework — and no Irish farmhouse would be without its own soda bread recipe. Here’s one from Richard Corrigan whose recipes are wonderfully hearty. If you don’t want any sweetness in your bread, you can make it without the honey and treacle—I don’t have a sweet tooth, but it’s delicious either way.
Try it with smoked salmon, capers, lemon, and a pot of tea. When I’m on the road, the edible thing I most miss is wheaten soda bread and how its baking and coming out of the oven makes life feel that little bit sweeter — even without its being sweetened — and even on a bad day. Do hope your book club members enjoy!
-Claire Keegan