Sue's Diner: Irish Soda Bread

As Timothy said, 2025 came into our lives like a wrecking ball, and we're still ducking and picking up the pieces.

In the meantime, we forgot to post and bake the BryonySeries version of Irish Soda Bread in time for Calkins Day on February 13.

What is Calkins Day? Here is a post that gives the basics.

Our recipe for Irish soda bread is featured in the BryonySeries cookbook Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," . 

That cookbook is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties and features all the recipes referenced in the novel Bryony. 

But just because we missed baking and then sharing Irish Soda Bread with you for Calkins Day doesn't mean we still can't bake and post and share.

Irish Soda Bread is delicious for St. Patrick's Day, which is rapidly approaching - but not so rapidly that you won't have time to perfect this very delicious bread.

You may try the recipe for Irish soda bread on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.

Sue's Diner: Irish Soda Bread

Part of gearing up for Calkins Day is making sure you have good Irish soda bread at hand.

Of course, we at the BryonySeries have the perfect recipe for you to try.

This particular recipe for this particular Irish Soda Bread is our very favorite bread for Calkins Day, which is Feb. 13.

What is Calkins Day? Here is a post that gives the basics.

Our recipe for Irish soda bread is featured in the BryonySeries cookbook Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," . 

That cookbook is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties and features all the recipes referenced in the novel Bryony. 

You may try the recipe for Irish soda bread on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.

Sue's Diner: Irish Soda Bread

Part of gearing up for Calkins Day is making sure you have good Irish soda bread at hand.

Of course, we at the BryonySeries have the perfect recipe for you to try.

Our recipe for Irish soda bread is featured in the BryonySeries cookbook Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," . 

That cookbook is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties and features all the recipes referenced in the novel Bryony. 

You may try the recipe for Irish soda bread on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.

Sue's Diner: Irish Soda Bread

This week's recipe for Irish Soda Bread is featured in the BryonySeries cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permament fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

This particular recipe for this particular Irish Soda Bread is our very favorite bread for Calkins Day, which is Feb. 13.

What is Calkins Day? Here is a post that gives the basics.

Of course, this recipe is referenced in the BryonySeries novel Bryony. Here is the explanation from the cookbook:

Melisa found it odd that Irish soda bread was a Simons Mansion staple, but since John offered no explanation, she felt uncomfortable asking for one. We don’t have the authentic recipe, but this one is just as good.

You can try the recipe for Irish Soda Bread on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.

Community News: March 14, 2019

It's mostly about food today!

If you live within the Herald-News' coverage area (most of Will and Grundy counties in Illinois), and you'd like to share your organization's news or upcoming events, email the information to new@theherald-news.com.


Around Towns Bolingbrook Golf Club

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/13/around-towns-bolingbrook-golf-club/aa4ffyq/


Plainfield church to host annual 'wild game' dinner

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/13/plainfield-church-to-host-annual-wild-game-dinner/ac8nql8/


RECIPES

Bacon and Cheddar Irish soda bread? You bet! 

Bacon, cheddar cheese and green onion add a hearty taste to traditional soda bread.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/13/9f8e66ac84d34592b1e857021c69ce84/index.xml


Adding Guinness makes Irish soda bread even more Irish

This makes a dense loaf, similar to pumpernickel, but moister and sweeter.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/13/2a9f1d61cf8341969bbbce32eb71ac0e/index.xml


Make traditional Irish soda bread with or without raisins

We made our favorite recipe (without) and then changed it up.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/13/cb0c02ad89c34ce088b0bb9dfcdaf81a/index.xml


 The key to making your raw kale tender is a little massage 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/12/the-key-to-making-your-raw-kale-tender-is-a-little-massage/aczls89/


A full-flavored chicken dish with sweet and nutty garlic 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/12/a-full-flavored-chicken-dish-with-sweet-and-nutty-garlic/aimvq0q/


How to highlight the earthy flavor of Brussels sprouts 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/12/how-to-highlight-the-earthy-flavor-of-brussels-sprouts/ab12k5x/


A pasta dish that brings out the earthy flavor of mushrooms

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/12/a-pasta-dish-that-brings-out-the-earthy-flavor-of-mushrooms/a4cc2x1/


Pair earthy, hearty mushrooms with equally hearty farro

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/12/pair-earthy-hearty-mushrooms-with-equally-hearty-farro/ab0zrf6/


NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//


Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/


Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff .

When Creativity Fills the House

What a wonderful weekend on so many levels!

First, I had only about four hours of work carryover into Sunday, the first time in a very long time, and I actually took all of Saturday off. The last couple days were not only restful, they were creative, for me, and for others, too.

I finished the WriteOn Joliet cheetah anthology (more on this later) last night and sent it to Rebekah to give it a fresh look. After we receive the cover art, we can upload it.

We spent a good 90 minutes on the phone with KDP with a wonderful representative who fixed almost all of our issues. A HUGE THANK to Daniel's girl friend Cindy for getting curious about my box of still unpacked books and reading through all the Bertrand ones. She's the one who found the printing errors.

I finished Cornell Dyer and the Eerie Lake and sent it to Timothy to read. So far, he said, it reads like the story he envisioned.

I wrote, and shot, Bertrand Spends the Night. If all goes well, I will have copies available at the March 23 book signing at The Book Market in Crest Hill.

Jasmine showed Rebekah and Cindy over a two-day period how to make gum roses for cakes, etc.

And while I finally unpacked, and put away, my box of books, Jasmine and Rebekah baked four different kinds of Irish soda bread (and some cookies) for my Herald-News food page on Thursday.

A few quick photos below:

Sue's Diner: Irish Soda Bread

Melisa found it odd that Irish soda bread was a Simons Mansion staple, but since John offered no explanation, she felt uncomfortable asking for one. We don’t have the authentic recipe, but this one is just as good.

And yet, what a great way to get in the mood for Calkins Day on Feb. 13.

I like this particular recipe because it contains no raisins and is less sweet than other versions (although I could do with even less sugar than this recipe provides). 

Find the recipe HERE.

From "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'"

All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. www.bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at www.bryonyseries.com.

Calkins Day is a Month Away

What is Calkins Day, you may ask?

Why, it's the BryonySeries' very own holiday. It's a time to celebrate laughter, imagination, and generosity.

When is it?

On. Feb. 13, the date of Ed Calkins' birthday. (Yes, Virginia, and everyone else, Ed Calkins is real. And so his birthday).

How does one celebrate?

A parade with the distribution of candy is ideal, but impractical. Although we did have a parade of two people last year. The footage is below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjZ7ColY688

Are any foods associated with the holiday?

Any of the foods listed in chapter 29 in Staked! would suffice. At the very least, serve some Irish soda bread.

You can buy a copy of Staked! HERE.

The BryonySeries cookbook, Memories in the Kitchen, Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," has a very nice Irish soda bread that's become my family's tradition for Calkins Day. And when you buy a copy (which you can do HERE), all proceeds go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

I did post the recipe HERE, too.

Should I wear anything special?

Jeans and a striped shirt. Or a kilt. Ed has worn both (although not at the same time).

Will Ed Calkins be making any appearances?

That's the plan, if he can get a sub for his newspaper route. Details HERE.

Is Calkins Day just an excuse to sell books?

Um, no. The holiday began in Ed's mind long before he became a character in my series. In fact, the idea for vampirizing him came after I missed yet another parade (He hosted very short parades).

For more details on this most pretend of all pretend holidays, read the post from 2011:

http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2011/02/case-for-calkins-day.html


Here I am on Feb. 13, 2017, wearing my Calkins Day garb, candy bowl in hand, ready for the parade.

2017 Ed Calkins Day Recap in Photos

First, me wearing my Calkins Day garb, candy bowl in hand, ready for the parade.

Next, Timothy prepares to take the parade to Indiana...

And then Daniel gets ready to take the parade to Joliet Junior College...

The actual parade route, which ended at my work place. I left the candy bowl in the break room.

Later that night, Rebekah made Irish soda bread (sans raisins) from the BryonySeries cookbook, Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony." We liked it with plenty of butter, although I'd like to experiment with a less sweet version.

I didn't get to the limerick (bummer), but Timothy said several people stopped him at Land O'Frost, where he works as a corporate chef, to wish him a "Happy Calkins Day!"

All in all, a delightful vigil to Valentine's Day!

And did I say the cookbook is a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties? No? Yes! Buy yours here at www.bryonyseries.com.

Tomorrow: A video of the parade route.

Happy Calkins Day! A Primer and Tips for Celebrating

What is Calkins Day?

It's the official holiday of my BryonySeries, initiated for pretend by the real Ed Calkins himself.

It's a day to celebrate, via "parade" the fun and joy of the imagination.

First, a background of Calkins Day

http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2017/01/getting-prepped-for-ed-calkins-day-one.html

Second, background on the "real" Ed Calkins

http://www.bryonyseries.com/The_Steward_of_Tara.html

And thirdly, how I intend to celebrate. Feel free to join me in your own space in the world.

For starters, the right outfit. I ordered a red and white striped shirt, very similar to Ed Calkins' style at the distribution center. With the shirt, I'm wearing with jeans and gym shoes (far nicer than I ever wore in the distribution center).

Now for the parade.

A traditional Ed Calkins parade featured Prime Minister Dan Yates (also a distribution manager supervisor from our past), pulling the Steward of Tara himself (Ed Calkins) on a pallet jack, while Ed tossed candy to the carriers.

Now I don't have a pallet jack available to me (pity). But I can distribute newspapers and candy. I have a red Calkins Day candy bowl (to complement the shirt) filled with bite-sized wrapped chocolate ready to go.

Tomorrow morning, since I have permission to work from home, I'm buying several newspapers from the gas station across the street and leaving them with the front counter as freebies to customers in honor of Calkins Day.

Timothy and Daniel are each taking some candy to work, to keep the parade moving east (into Indiana) and west (the west side of Joliet, anyway).

I will carry the rest to work and leave it in the break room for others to enjoy.

Throughout the day, I will "toss" virtual candy pieces along the trail of my day. Rebekah is home today and she is making the Irish Soda Bread from the BryonySeries cookbook, sans yellow raisins. If you missed the posting of the recipe yesterday, you may get it here: http://bryonyseries.blogspot.com/2017/02/irish-soda-bread-in-anticipation-of.html

Finally, I will recap the day with an original limerick. Photos and limerick to follow in tomorrow's blog.

A joyous Calkins Day to you and yours!

Irish Soda Bread (In Anticipation of Calkins Day Tomorrow)

Melisa found it odd that Irish soda bread was a Simons Mansion staple, but since John offered no explanation, she felt uncomfortable asking for one. We don’t have the authentic recipe, but this one is just as good.

Irish Soda Bread

By Janet Cooney

½ cup margarine

½ cup sugar

3 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

1 1/3 cup buttermilk (or sour milk by putting 1 tablespoon vinegar in a measuring cup and adding milk to exact measure)

1/3 cup yellow raisins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together margarine and sugar; add remaining ingredients. Grease 1 x 4 x 3-inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour or until toothpick comes out clean.

From "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'"

All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. www.bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at www.bryonyseries.com.