Welcome to a journey through time and taste buds! My fascination with history and cooking has been a lifelong passion, enriched by experiences like serving as a Chef’s Assistant at the Kroger Cooking School in Alpharetta, GA. However, my true immersion into historical accuracy came during 12 years as a Civil War reenactor, delving deep into uniforms, weapons, tactics, and even historic cooking.

This passion translated into roles as a Background Artist in films like “Gettysburg” (1992) and “Avenging Angel” (2006), where I strived for authenticity. Historical accuracy runs in my blood, influenced by my mother's traditional Irish soda bread she started making in 1934. Observing her old-time a pinch of salt and a pinch of baking soda method, I, as an engineer, adopted precise measurements to ensure easy repetition, aligning with historical norms found in cookery books from Irish schools in the mid-20th century.

Around 30 years ago, my son and I ventured into Irish Dance, leading me to discover Soda Bread competitions. Witnessing variations straying from traditional Irish Soda Bread sparked the inception of “The Society For The Preservation of Irish Soda Bread.” The mission is to honor our ancestors by preserving the authenticity of this ancient recipe and educating the public on its rich history. Bottom line, know the difference between a soda bread and other Irish breads and cakes.

Driven by a commitment to historical accuracy, my research extended to the Famine Years (An Gorta Mor), focusing on Corn Maize's role in the Irish diet. As a Senior Member of Meitheal Dúchas, I've delved into the Irish Folklore database, editing over 600 pages of information gathered around 1938. This includes first-hand accounts of life in Ireland from individuals born in the 1860s/70s, thanks to the foresight of the Irish Government.

My current endeavor involves researching American newspapers from the 1900s, exploring how various Irish bread and cake recipes merged into the non-traditional Irish Soda Bread recipes handed down through the generations. This captivating journey is shaping up to become a future book.

I invite you to join me on Facebook, where a community of 3,400 bakers shares thoughts, photos, and a passion for Irish soda bread. Let's preserve tradition and create a future steeped in the rich history of this beloved staple. Connect with us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Irishsodabreadsociety and share the joy of baking! Every year I learn something new and am happy to share it with you.

Slan,

Ed O’Dwyer