Irish Potato Soda Bread

Irish Potato Soda Bread, originally uploaded by Lakenvelder.

I sprinkled some green sugar sprinkles before baking to make it look extra festive.

1 medium potato, pelled and coarsely chopped
1./2 cup water
1/4 cup buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold butter
2 eggs, beaten, divided
1/3 cup currants

In a container cook the potato and water in the micowave cover for about 10 minutes or until tender. DO NOT DRAIN. Mash until smooth or place mixture in blender; blend until smooth. Add buttermilk to measure 1 cup.

In mixing bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Combine potato mixture, 1 egg and currants, add to flour mixture. Stir until dough clings together and starts to form a ball. Stir and form into a ball.

Turn ball onto a greased cookie sheet and make a 4 inch cross using a sharp knife around 1/4 inch deep on top of loaf. Brush with egg, Bake in 375F oven for about 35 minutes or until golden. Cool on wire rack.