Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease and flour two 8"x4" loaf pans, or line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking sugar; add one cup of sharp cheddar cheese for savory version or 1 cup of raisins for a sweeter bread. In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar, then beat in the sour cream.

2. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, and mix until a dough just begins to form; avoid over-mixing as this will cause the bread to become tough. Evenly distribute between the two loaf pans, or turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and form into a ball. Split the ball into two, equal loaves and dust each with flour before transferring them to the baking sheet. Using a very sharp knife, lightly score the tops with an "X", or if using loaf pans, lightly score in a single line across the top.

3. Bake loaves for one hour or until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Serve plain with Irish butter or cheese, or serve it alongside corned beef and cabbage for a traditional St. Patrick's Day meal.