Here’s how to make your table glow with the luck of the Irish, this March 17th.
St. Patrick’s Day is falling fast upon us, and it’s time to set the table. When I think of St. Paddy’ day food, a jumble of green cupcakes spring forth and some large pints of dark green beer pouring down from the heavens.
Is it accurate? I hate to admit it but in truth, the Irish actually do eat and drink more than dyed baked goods and alcohol.
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So, in an effort to broaden my palate, I did some research. I found what delicious delicacies might be on the table in Ireland this March 17th, and at other festive occasions in the wonderful land of the saints and scholars.
Here are 6 popular Irish dishes to bring you love and luck this coming St. Paddy’s Day, 2017:
1) Irish Stew
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Warm your belly and your heart with this classic wintry meal. Irish stew blends lamb (mutton), potatoes and onions in its purist form. Modernists are said to add carrots, turnips and pearl barley but the dyed-in-the-wool traditionalists say this takes away from the “true flavor” of the dish.
Delicious and nutritious.
2) Colcannon
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If you’re a fan of kale and potatoes, this is where it’s at. Colcannon involves mashed potatoes, kale or cabbage, butter, and salt and pepper added for taste. Rumor has it, it’s also served at Halloween with a ring and thimble hidden inside.
3) Oatcakes
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The “mainstay of Scottish breads for centuries”, oatcakes can be served with jam or cheese- or really, anything you wish to put on top, really.
4) Guinness Float
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OK, so this one isn’t a longstanding tradition. If you like a pint of dark beer though, why not add in a scoop of ice cream to make it lovable?
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Of note: place the ice cream in first, and then pour the beer over it, otherwise it could be a gloopy Irish mess.
5) Irish Whiskey Cookies
These cookies are a bit like shortbread with some whiskey, raisins, candied citron and almonds added in. Usually a Christmas treat, they’re welcome on my plate any time of year.
6) Soda Bread
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Instead of using yeast to make the dough rise, this bread relies on a combo of baking soda and sour milk.
(Yeast was hard to come by in Ireland as wheat wasn’t easily grown in the northern climate, hence the baking soda.)
This bread isn’t something from the ancient days of yore in Ireland, but it dates back to about the 1840s. It was cooked in a griddle or in a pot over an open fire, with a cross cut into the top to ward off the devil and keep those in the house safe from harm.
Interestingly, it takes on a different shape depending on the area of Ireland it’s from.
Happy (early) St. Paddy’s Day!
Photo credit: Slawomir Fajer/Shutterstock
