The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air Saturday, March 7, as nearly 30 home bakers gathered for the first Irish Soda Bread Baking Contest, an event organizers say they hope will become a new annual tradition.
Held at Pass Health Foods, 7228 W. College Drive in Palos Heights, the contest was organized by co-owners Carolyn Johnson and Liz Ryan as part of their effort to host monthly community events while celebrating the South Side’s strong Irish heritage.
“We like to have monthly events and when we were brainstorming for new fun ideas, Liz thought of the Irish soda bread baking contest,” Johnson said. “Liz and I are Irish and we have such a large community of people of Irish heritage on the South Side. Plus, who doesn’t love Irish soda bread?”
Participants were asked to bring a homemade Irish soda bread along with a full recipe for their entry. Aside from that requirement, Johnson said the competition was intentionally simple.
“The only rule was that it had to be an Irish soda bread recipe and that each entry be accompanied by a full recipe,” she said.
In total, 29 breads were entered into the inaugural contest, showcasing a range of interpretations of the traditional loaf.
Irish soda bread is a classic quick bread that originated in Ireland in the 19th century. Instead of yeast, it relies on baking soda and acidic buttermilk to help the dough rise. Traditional recipes typically include flour, baking soda, salt and buttermilk, though many bakers incorporate raisins, caraway seeds or other ingredients to add flavor.
The grand prize was awarded to Mary Fleming, whose recipe was selected for its traditional preparation and flavor. Second place went to Liane Burke. Truman Pack earned the award for best gluten-free recipe, while Ale Wanat of Pass Health Foods won the most unique prize for her cheddar onion Irish soda bread.
Judging was led by Kathleen O’Carroll, owner and director of Cross Keys Irish Dancers, who organizers said selected the grand prize winner based on the bread that most closely reflected an authentic Irish soda bread recipe.
During the event, three young dancers from Cross Keys Irish Dancers — Tessa, Lucy and Penny — entertained the crowd with an Irish dance performance while judges sampled the entries.
The grand prize winner received a $100 gift card to the store, while additional $25 prizes were awarded for second place, best gluten-free recipe, most unique recipe and the People’s Choice award voted on by attendees.
Johnson said she and Ryan were thrilled by the strong turnout and enthusiastic response from the community.
“We have been so excited by the positive response and how many people entered,” Johnson said. “It’s such a fun thing, especially as we look forward to St. Patrick’s Day.”
Given the success of the inaugural event, Johnson said the baking contest will likely return.
“This will definitely be something we hold each year,” she said.
Grand Prize Irish Soda Bread Recipe
The winning recipe submitted by Mary Fleming was recognized by judges as the most authentic.
Ingredients:
5 cups flour
¾ cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 cups raisins (break up any chunks)
Instructions:
Whisk dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Add melted butter and raisins, stirring after each addition.
In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together 2¼ cups buttermilk and 2 eggs. Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk mixture, mixing until just combined.
Bake in a greased and floured 10-inch cast-iron skillet at 350 degrees for one hour, turning the pan halfway through after 30 minutes.
