Irish Barm Brack Recipe
Introduction
Embrace the warmth and tradition of Ireland with this delightful Irish Barm Brack recipe, a fragrant fruit-laden loaf that holds a special place in Irish culture, particularly around Halloween. Rich in flavor and steeped in history, this slightly sweet bread is traditionally served sliced, often enjoyed with a cup of tea, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings or festive occasions.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vivatta Maida (All-Purpose Flour) | 225 grams |
| Mixed Dry Fruits (Golden Raisins) | 375 grams |
| Baking Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Tea (cold decoction) | 250 ml |
| Whiskey (optional) | 50 ml |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 125 grams |
| Whole Egg | 1 |
| All Spice Powder | 2 teaspoons |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 160 |
| Total Fat | 2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 30 mg |
| Sodium | 50 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 12 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
Preparation Steps
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Soaking the Fruits: Begin the preparation of your Irish Barm Brack by placing the mixed dry fruits into a large bowl. Pour the whiskey (if you choose to include it) and the cold tea over the fruits, allowing them to soak overnight. This step is crucial as it plumps the fruit, enhancing the overall flavor of the bread.
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Preheating the Oven: The next day, preheat your oven to 170°C (327°F) or Gas Mark 3. Prepare a 900g loaf tin by greasing it thoroughly and lining it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
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Mixing Dry Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the Vivatta maida, baking powder, brown sugar, and all-spice powder. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well incorporated.
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Combining Ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and crack the whole egg into it. Using a wooden spoon, mix the egg into the flour mixture until just combined.
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Incorporating the Fruit: Take a small amount of the soaking liquid (tea and whiskey) and add it to the fruit mixture. Stir this into the batter. You may not need to use all the liquid; your goal is to achieve a wet dough consistency. Then, gently fold in the soaked fruit mixture, ensuring that the fruits are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Baking the Bread: Carefully spoon the prepared dough into the greased and lined loaf tin. Place the tin on the middle shelf of your preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cooling the Barm Brack: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for about 10-15 minutes. After this, gently transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Resting Before Slicing: For the best flavor, wrap the cooled Barm Brack in cling wrap and then in tin foil. Allow it to sit for 1-2 days at room temperature. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a moist and flavorful bread.
Serving Suggestions
When ready to serve, slice your Irish Barm Brack and enjoy it plain or with a smear of butter. It pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of espresso coffee or can be served alongside savory delights like a chicken sandwich with sweet corn for a charming tea party spread. This traditional bread is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a conversation starter, filled with stories of its heritage.
Conclusion
This Irish Barm Brack recipe captures the essence of Irish baking traditions and is perfect for both festive occasions and everyday enjoyment. With its delightful blend of spices and fruits, it brings a touch of warmth to any gathering. Enjoy making this traditional recipe and share the joy of Irish culinary heritage with your loved ones.
