ManicMammy’s Blog

One of the many stalls we visited whilst at the Taste of Cork festival was Declan Ryan’s Arbutus bread one. After sampling the delicious bread we decided to purchase a few bags of his West Cork Brown Soda Mix to take home.

Finally got organised enough to bake one today. You just need to add 1/2 pint of water to the dry ingredients in the bag which include wholemeal wheat flour, pinhead oatmeal, dried buttermilk, bread soda and cream of tartar. Pop in the oven for 45 minutes or so and violá, its ready. This is what I love, its so convenient. I don’t need any extra ingredients here in the house.

It’s smell was fabulous and it tasted divine. I am a sucker for fresh bread with butter and this met my expectations.

It cost €2 per pack which makes a good sized load as can be seen above. I used a silicone bakeware container which isn’t as rigid as standard loaf tins and so its flatter a loaf than I’d normally expect.

I will definitely be keeping a few packs of this mix on standby in the cupboard and use on a regular basis. Excellent product. I’m not sure where else it is available to purchase, I am hoping I’ll be able to find it in the English market in Cork or in the other local farmers’ markets.

UPDATE: emailed Arbutus and discovered the mix is available at Mahon Point Market on Thursdays, Midleton Market on Saturdays or from Nash19 Restaurant.