Soda Bread.

Uncomplicated.

Out walking along the coast last week. The weather turned bad, fast, as it tends to do in Ireland. Especially during the summer. If you ever need proof that the doomsday predictions concerning climate change caused by humans are utter tripe, spend a summer in Ireland.

So the rain came down in torrents and we dove for cover into an old fisherman's cottage, lovingly preserved and open to the public during the summer months. We were informed that a lady was due to arrive to make soda bread. We were invited to hang around, so we did.

About 10 other people, mostly old folks, peeked in as they passed by and decided that a crash course in bread making was preferable to a soaking. So in they came.

The banter was great. Not a mobile phone in sight. Except for when I used mine to take a picture of the bread. For editorial purposes of course. People talking. Having conversations. Strangers getting to know each other, face to face.

Shocking, isn’t it?

“Just take a handful of flour, throw it into a mixing bowl, add a splash of buttermilk, mix by hand until the consistency is right, roll out the dough, cut into 4 pieces, throw some flour on the griddle pan, add the mix and in 10 minutes you’ll have the perfect soda bread.”

The fire was burning, the ancient iron griddle pan was warming above it.

Anticipation was high.

Soda bread is an Irish speciality. Two ingredients. No scales. No nonsense. Ten minutes. Ready. Tastes incredible. No, I’m not exaggerating.

The sodas were removed from the heat, quickly cut up and freshly churned farmhouse butter was added. Nobody refused to partake in this unplanned and unexpected sampling. Everyone had a second helping. Lots of nodding heads and mmmmmmmm noises filled the cottage. Many were transported back in time as they recalled engaging in activities such as this as a regular part of their childhood. At 50, I was the second youngest in the room. We unanimously agreed that todays generation of kids are missing out. If on nothing else but the ancient art of soda bread making.

So many take aways from that unplanned and unexpected experience.

It is possible to recreate at least some aspects of the “good old days.” Interacting with complete strangers in a public place can actually be a pleasant experience. Simple is best. It’s good to keep your mouth shut and listen to people older than you, talking about their lived life experiences. Get offline and into the real world as often as possible. Bad weather isn’t always a bad thing.

Soda bread is always a good thing.

Especially fresh off the griddle.

Rick.