Spotted Dog (Irish Soda Bread w/ Raisins)

Okay, so there are certain dishes or recipes that I only find myself eating or making during a certain time of year. I'm not talking about things that rely on seasonal produce, either—more like the stuffing and whole turkey that I only make around Thanksgiving and the corned beef and soda bread that I only make around St. Paddy's Day.

Irish Soda Bread Scones

You know you've made something beyond good when you want to smack your own ass as you walk by. These scones are one of those things. Tall, tender, lightly sweet and studded with currants and flecks of caraway seeds. I haven't even mentioned the thin, crackly sugar shell that tops them off. I've already made them three times in the last week.

These came about when I was pondering the fact (sort of) that I don't have many Irish or Irish-inspired recipes on my blog. And I happen to love Ireland. It was the site of my first-ever airplane landing, and a person never forgets the site outside the window as you descend into Dublin—a patchwork quilt of every shade of green imaginable. It will forever be a part of me.

So, I decided it was time to work on beefing up my Irish repertoire. I mean, I didn't even have a simple loaf of soda bread to demonstrate my affection. I still don't...but I do have some tall, tender scones inspired by Irish soda bread to share today! If you have a soft spot in your heart for that beautifully craggly and rustic quick bread, you'll enjoy these currant studded, caraway seed flecked treats.