Sweetened recipe reworks Irish soda bread

I know it’s sacrilegious to hate corned beef and cabbage when it comes to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, but I’d rather eat cake — or in this case, Irish-American soda bread. With raisins and sugar, it’s the sweeter cousin of the traditional version. The recipe I found in "The Joy of Cooking" results in a crusty tea cake that looks like a giant scone. Bake it on a cookie sheet or in a loaf pan.

Heat oven to 375 degrees (350 degrees for loaf pan). Whisk together 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar (5 tablespoons for loaf), 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2    teaspoon salt. Stir in 1 cup raisins and 2 teaspoons caraway seeds.

In a separate bowl, whisk 1 large egg, 2/3 cup buttermilk (1 cup for loaf) and 4 tablespoons warm, melted, unsalted butter. Add flour mixture and stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened. The batter will be stiff but sticky. Scrape the batter onto a cookie sheet and shape into a mound about 7 inches across. Use a sharp knife to make a large X on the top.

Bake until golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes (45 to 50 minutes in a loaf pan). A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Cool before serving.

—Mike Gordon

Candle colors represent flag

The St. Patrick’s Trio scented candle by Yankee Candle is a fine choice as seasonal decor or a gift for the host of a St. Patrick’s Day party. The colors are those of the Irish flag — green, white and orange. Green has the crisp scent of fresh mint, white is Sugared Apple and orange is Fruit Fusion. The candle comes in a heavy glass jar with an air-tight lid for $19.99 at yankeecandle.com.

—John Berger

Moor mud mask detoxifies skin

Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud mask draws out toxins and dirt, leaving skin feeling revitalized and moisturized in about 10 minutes. The 9,000-year-old black mud is harvested by hand from moors in the Irish countryside. Other ingredients include hijiki seaweed, volcanic ash and activated charcoal. A 5-ounce container is $58 at Sephora.

—Nancy Arcayna

Coffee cocktail evokes Emerald Isle

I’m part Irish and I love coffee, so Irish coffee is a no-brainer on St. Patrick’s Day. Made with coffee, whiskey, cream and sugar, it’s simply classic. But where to drink it? You could make it at home, but consider Hono­lulu’s prototypical Irish bar, Murphy’s Bar & Grill, where tradition is honored. Made with fresh coffee and Jameson’s Irish whiskey, the taste is smooth and the effect uplifting. Slainte! Irish coffee is $5.50 at Murphy’s, 2 Merchant St., 531-0422, murphyshawaii.com.

—Elizabeth Kieszkowski

Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with eatin’ of the greens

I’ve never tried Kalettes with corned beef but they would probably substitute nicely for cabbage since they’re in the same veggie family. The relatively new non-GMO hybrid combines the best qualities of Brussels sprouts and kale. Small enough to hold in your palm, nutritious Kalettes have a compact core, frilly leaves, purple stems and a light, nutty flavor. They cook up faster than sprouts so I like them in stir-frys, but they’re equally tasty steamed, roasted, grilled or raw in a salad. A 6-ounce bag is $4.99 at Whole Foods Market. Find recipes at kalettes.com.

—Christie Wilson

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