Why Do You Cut an X in Irish Soda Bread?

Plus, all the Irish recipes you'll need for St. Patrick's Day!

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Ask Sarah Q: Why Do You Cut an X in Irish Soda Bread? I love soda bread because it's a quick bake that I can make with frugal ingredients I have around the house. It's also the perfect accompaniment for my slow-brined corned beef. One thing you may notice about Irish soda bread, though, is that no matter the recipe, this loaf has a big X scored on top. What's the deal with that? Well, according to Irish folklore, slashing the top of the bread lets the evil spirits and fairies out while the loaf bakes. Some folks say that the mark is a cross and a blessing. No matter how you slice it, this X has a practical purpose. Scoring the bread allows it to expand and rise more evenly as it bakes. Without it, the loaf splits randomly and doesn't bake up uniformly.

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