The breads of Ireland and the UK
Following in the footsteps of my fellow Zomppa ladies, Belinda and Elyssa, who blogged about bread, I thought I would add my little musings on my bread encounters whilst here in Ireland. I am currently in Northern Ireland visiting my parents. I actually spent my teenage years here, and have to admit that I never fully came to appreciate the great backed products that this part of the world has to offer. That appreciation is something which I have come to acquire with repeated visits over the years.
Ok so in the U.S. we are pretty much familiar with pancakes, scones, and “English” muffins. I should add that muffins in the UK kind of look like the U.S. “English Muffin” but the texture and taste is quite different. In addition what we call a muffin in the U.S. is what the Brits/Irish call an American muffin on this side of the pond
So here are some other bread which you have probably heard about but perhaps never tasted, and they are my favorites!
- Crumpets: they look a bit like a cross between a pancake and a muffin. The butter just melts down inside the little holes along with the jam. Another yummy way to eat them is to melt cheese on the top.
- Soda bread: well as the name implies, sodium bicarbonate is the raising agent used in this bread. This is just good toasted with melted Irish butter. Oh and it can be fried up to be included in an Ulster Fry (which basically includes every breakfast food you can think of only fried!!!)
- Potato bread: well, I should specify Irish Potato farl as there are other types of potato bread out in the world. This is one that most people who leave Ireland say they miss the most. It’s a very simple recipe involving mashed potatoes, butter, flour, and a pinch of salt. I have to admit that potato bread is rather delicious when fried, but it’s also great just toasted and covered in Irish butter.
For bread recipes and other traditional Irish recipes, check out: Irish Recipes and Baking
Category: Europe, Featured Articles: Travel & Culture, Northern Ireland, Travel & Culture
