Okay, I'll admit it.  I grew up hating Irish soda bread.  Too dry.  Not good toasted. Weird shape.  People brought it to my house every St. Patrick's Day, and I graciously accepted it and tried to palm it off on my guests.  I made sure that everyone had some to take home.  Oy, such a generous hostess!

I finally learned to make it myself, to my own ...