In my young adult novel, Cold Hard Truth, the father is originally from Ireland (a country near and dear to my heart). With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, enjoy this recipe for Irish Soda Bread and cinnamon/honey butter.

3-1/4 C flour

1/3 C, plus 1 T sugar, divided

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1/2 C (1 stick) cold butter

1-1/3 C buttermilk

1/2 C currants or raisins

Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix flour, 1/3 C of sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in large bowl. Cut in cold butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add buttermilk and currants; mix just until moist.