Books and cakes - 5

   

     A slight departure for our Book Group "virtual afternoon tea" this month as I've gone for savoury instead of sweet, making bread rather than cake. On page 213 of my edition of Angela Young's Speaking of Love: A Novel(which we'll be discussing on Saturday), Matthew and Dick have lunch in Malmesbury on their way to Wales:

    "The waitress brings us egg and watercress sandwiches and I realise how hungry I am; the mayonnaise is lemony, the bread is crumbly brown soda bread and the egg and watercress mixture is delicious..."

    So soda bread it is, Irish Oatmeal Soda Bread, to be precise, and you can find the recipe here.

The dough was mixed in no time, and as there's no rising or proving involved it went straight into the oven for 50 minutes. I'll be having it for lunch, but topped with crab and watercress instead of egg. I hope Angela will approve!

Comments

[Rebecca]

I grew up on this stuff, other breads always seem so insubstantial in comparison. Sadly none of my family share my love for Soda bread unless it is toasted. It will be lovely with crab and is perfect with smoked salmon too.

[Angela Young]

I heartily approve ... the more so because I don't like eggs much myself, but I love crab! (Of course those two men love eggs ... .)

And I love the way you make the food that you read about in books. (Do you think there might be a book in that? as publishers are won't to say ... .)

[Claire]

Re Angela's comment. I think it is being done already by Yarnstorm!

[Angela Young]

What a pity for Cornflower, but I'm so glad it's being done, Claire. Although as far as I can see Jane Brocket's 'Cherry Cake and Ginger Beer' is recipes for food from children's fiction ... but perhaps she's planning one from adult fiction for release later on?

[Margaret Powling]

Wicked, wicked woman, you make me so hungry and I put on weight just thinking about food! And of course, wicked, too, mentioning all these wonderful books. I wasn't content with putting Hearts & Minds on my wish list ... I've only gone and ordered it!

[Claire]

Of course, Angela, it is for children. One for the grown ups would be fun though.

[Danielle]

I'm actually going to be ready for the discussion for once! :) I am nearly finished with the book (will finish later today). I only wish it was a real get together and discuss and not virtual. Your bread looks yummy!

[Susan]

Cornflower, could I ask you something? I tried making this bread loaf and it is a nice wholemeal loaf bread. I recently found out an Irish friend likes the bread/cake loaf Barm Brack, and I wondered if you knew an excellent recipe. I tried one recipe and it was appreciated with butter and honey, but I was wondering if any of your many friends could help me with a top recipe for Barm Brack. I'd like to cook it for an Irish friend one day.