Weekend wrap up.

Once again, pardon my lack of writing. 

Julio has been sick. So, while nursing him back to health we decided to start watching Downton Abbey care of my dear mother in law. We can't seem to pinpoint what it is about this show, and truly- it's hard to explain- but it's incredible.

Well, good thing she gave us both seasons 1 & 2. We've burned through them over the past week and can't wait till season 3 comes out on DVD! 

My hope is to start posting a weekend wrap-up post on mondays. Well, clearly it's not monday (thanks to Downton)  So here's a few favorites from  this past St. Patty's weekend. 

My attempt at green shamrock pancakes!

I also made some delicious Irish Soda Bread that we've been enjoying all week. To be honest, it's gotten better each day as it softens a bit. This recipe made one giant loaf. It'd be great to accompany a hearty soup or stew, but was lovely alongside our corned beef. 

Irish Soda Bread

3 cups all purpose flour

1 cup cake flour

1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoon cream of tarter

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons sugar

3 tablespoons softened butter    (+ 1-2 tablespoons melted)

1 3/4 cups buttermilk

Whisk all the dry ingredients together. Add the soft butter and work in with your fingers. Add the buttermilk and work together with a fork just until barely mixed. Shape together by pressing into a ball (barely formed). It was very sticky for me. 

Coat a cast iron skillet with butter (I used my Le Cruset dutch oven, in green nonetheless!) and bake in a 400 degree over for 40 minutes in the top 1/3 of the oven (too low and the bottom crust will be burnt). 

Remove from the over and brush with 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter with a pastry brush to soften the crust.  (it can be stored in a ziploc on the counter for a few days

 Enjoy!