Particular

Ever notice how people are particular about certain foods? Not just which foods a person likes, or how much garlic is used (in my opinion, more is always better!), but foods that are handed down within a family. Like many people, my family roots are in Ireland. Frequently my mom makes Irish Bread. It's really good. My favorite, probably because that is what I had when I was growing up. She learned from her grandmother and a lot of trial and error. I haven't tried to make it yet (and Betsy, I haven't forgotten to send you the recipe!) because in my head you can only use cast iron - that's what my mom and her mom use, and I don't have any cast iron yet. I *know* that she adds more sugar to make it sweet, but found out this past weekend that a different family member adds an egg so it's more cake-like. I *know* it's not traditional. I *know* there are other ways to make it. I have had other Irish breads but they aren't as good as my mom's.

I'm bugged because today I was asking another person about how they make their Irish Bread and it led into a "pick on Becca" moment. Quoting the individual, "We call it Irish SODA Bread, because of the baking soda. And I remember years ago I made some for you and I waited to hear the raves about it...." Ummmm? WTF? There's baking soda in my mom's recipe... Thank goodness the baby was there and I could shift the attention away from me to her...

This is all so ridiculous, but it bugs me. I googled "Irish Bread" (367,000 sites) and "Irish Soda Bread" (219,000 sites) - there are many variations and I really think it comes down to personal taste. Among the more interesting links: http://www.sodabread.us/ - The Society for the Preservation of Irish Soda Bread. My mom doesn't make traditional soda bread, so I won't either. This person also mentioned All-bran being added (by her grandmother) and I'm pretty sure that's not traditional either.

Meh, whatever. Here - now I'll distract you with the baby.