St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner! One year, I was in New York City for “the shamrock holiday” and was able to watch the parade walk up 5th Avenue. What a great experience that was watching so many people celebrate their heritage. On that day, it seemed like everyone had a little bit of Irish in them. This week, I thought I’d spotlight some wonderful St. Paddy’s Day recipes. Irish cuisine is no longer just about sticky oatmeal and boiled potatoes!
“My dad’s mother used to fix corned beef and cabbage with cornbread for him when he was younger – one of his favorite meals,” explains Janette Suber when sharing the story of her Fried Cabbage and Corned Beef recipe. “This recipe is a good stick to your ribs meal.” This is pretty much the perfect meal for St. Patrick’s day … or any day! Grab some rye bread, mustard and the next day you’ll have a pretty tasty sandwich.
Cook up Racquel Sweeney’s Irish Guinness Beef Stew up on a cold day and you will have one hearty (and delicious) meal. “This is a handy dinner you can prepare the night before,” says Racquel. “The next day all [you] have to do is heat and serve.” The mix of Guinness and Merlot give this stew wonderful flavor. Make sure to have some nice, crusty bread on hand too.
I love mashed potatoes and am always looking for a new way to use leftovers. I’ll admit, Judy Few’s Irish Gems recipe had me a little nervous as I was putting these together. But the end result? Simply to-die-for! If you like coconut, you will LOVE these sweet gems.
Every family seems to have a recipe that is passed down from generation to generation. For Colleen Sowa, it’s her Irish Fried Potato Bread and Irish Butter. “This is a recipe from the Irish and English side of the family passed down [through generations],” says Colleen. These delicious potato pancakes are a wonderful way to use up leftover taters. (My mom used this technique all the time when I was young… such great memories!)
Heather Baker’s Bailey’s Irish Coffee Cream Fudge is just like Irish coffee … only more wonderfully decadent! “This fudge is very smooth and silky,” explains Heather. “All my friends love, love, love this fudge!” Well, you can add me to the list of admirers. I can’t wait to make this again!
The Irish have a way with words (and I think recipes too!). I came across this fun Irish proverb that I wanted to share – “Laughter is brightest where food is best.” May the luck of the Irish always be with you!