Smoked Salmon & Guinness Bread

Well, I'm not going to teach you how to smoke your own salmon, if that's what you are thinking. One of my favorite food pairings when I studied in Ireland was Guinness Bread topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and fresh dill. Couple with a tap Guinness, and you've got yourself one tasty treat. I shared this bread and smoked salmon at a little St. Paddy's Day party tonight - it was sooo good!

St. Patrick's Day is one of my favorite holidays, although it is arguable that I love all holidays. Tomorrow, we celebrate joy, luck, and...you can fill in the blank. After all, "There are only two people in this world, the Irish, and those who wish they were". Cheers!

Serves: Many

Ingredients:

5 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup quick-cook oats

2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 Tablespoons brown sugar

3 Tablespoons butter, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

2 cups milk

1 cup blackstrap molasses

1 cup Guinness

Toppings:

4 oz cream cheese, whipped

4 oz smoked salmon

Dill

Directions:

1. Mix whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar in a large bowl. 

2. Using a pastry cutter, cut butter into flour mixture.

3. Add milk, molasses, and Guinness to flour mixture. Stir just until combined. (Do not over-stir). 

4. Pour mixture into a greased 9-in bread pan.

5. Bake at 325 ºF for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. 

6. Allow bread to cool. Spread cream cheese, smoked salmon, and dill atop bread.