"The health of the salmon to you - a long life, a full heart and a wet mouth." Irish Toast
Let’s face it food isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of St. Patrick's Day, but a very important element of the celebration is the traditional Irish food. While we may think of corned beef and cabbage, the traditional Irish dinner would have consisted of a slab of bacon, potatoes, and cabbage. The American tradition of corned beef and cabbage began as a result of many Irish immigrants living in poverty. They were seeking a cheaper alternative to bacon and were introduced to corned beef by Jewish immigrants living in New York's Lower East Side along with the Irish.
Comfort food defines Irish cuisine. Lamb, beef and pork served with potatoes, and other root vegetables such as carrots, turnips and parsnips. The stews are often made with Guinness, a famous Irish stout. The beer tenderizes the meat and provides great flavor. Soda bread usually accompanies any meal.
So this year take time to explore some of Ireland’s more traditional dishes.
Start St. Patrick's day over a hearty Irish breakfast of fresh eggs with sausage, bacon (bacon in Ireland is back bacon, a close equivalent is Canadian bacon), and grilled tomatoes. Serve with Irish brown bread topped with sweet butter and preserves. Enjoy with a cup of Irish breakfast tea with milk. For your big celebration feast the try a meal of homemade bread, Irish stew, and, of course, a potato dish. Colcannon is a very traditional dish made with kale or cabbage and potatoes. For the grand finale - a traditional Irish dessert of apple-potato cake, Irish apple cake or Irish whisky cake. Below we have provided you with easy access to al the necessary recipes. As with everything on Food411: Point, Click. Eat.
Recipes for the Ultimate
St. Patrick's Day
Source: Epicurious
Irish Stew With Guinness, Dumplings & Colcannon Mash
Source: Recipezaar
Traditional Irish Lamb Stew
Source: ehow.com
Brown Butter Soda Bread
Source: bonappetit.com
Just for PURE Fun: Irish Potato Candy. Cute little confection that looks just like little potatoes. This kind does not contain potatoes; they are made using cream cheese and coconut.
Source: ehow.com
Don’t forget whenever you have a yearning for any type of Ethic or regional foods our Food411 editorial directory is filled with many handpicked resources to satisfy any food craving you have Food411!
