Bits of Ireland

There is something more to St. Patrick's Day than wearing green and pinching your friends for not wearing green: the cultural exchange through food. Though many associate the Irish with potatoes, many of their recipes are considered gourmet. These simple, traditional recipes are a great way to celebrate the culture of St. Patrick's Day without all the commercialism.

Colcannon
Colcannon is a delicious and traditional Irish potato casserole commonly eaten in Southern Ireland. According to "The Victory Garden," by Marian Morash, colcannon is traditionally eaten on Halloween with fortune symbols, such as a ring predicting marriage or a sixpence for the forthcoming of wealth, buried in the dish. While some no longer follow this tradition, colcannon is still a favorite among many people and a great main dish for dinner.

Colcannon

Photo: This authentic dish combines potatoes, kale and cheese to create a flavorful taste and soft texture.

This authentic dish combines potatoes, kale and cheese to create a flavorful taste and soft texture. Photo courtesy of Meaghan Mallari.

Makes four main-dish servings

Preparation:

2. Using the potato water (you may have to add more water), boil the cabbage (or kale) and onion for about five minutes. Drain the vegetables and set them aside.

3. When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and place them into a bowl. Add the milk and butter or margarine, and mash them until they are smooth.

4. Add the boiled cabbage (or kale) and onion to the potato mixture. Stir together.

5. Mix two-thirds of the cheese with the potato mixture. Season the colcannon with pepper and salt, if desired, and transfer it to a greased casserole or shallow baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

6. Before serving the colcannon, heat it in a moderately hot oven (between 350 and 425 degrees). Let the cheese on top brown slightly. You can opt to heat the dish in the microwave.

Recipe courtesy of Jane Brody's "Good Food Book."

Irish Soda Bread
No St. Patrick's Day, or Irish meal for that matter, is complete without the complementary soda bread. An easy but delicious recipe, this bread can be eaten plain, as a sandwich or with a complete meal.

Irish Soda Bread SE

Photo: Irish Soda Bread is a traditional dish made using only a few ingredients to produce a thick, delicious snack.

Irish Soda Bread is a traditional dish made using only a few ingredients to produce a thick, delicious snack. Photo courtesy of Meaghan Mallari.

Preparation:

2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and margarine. Once blended, add one cup of buttermilk and an egg.

3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface and shape into a circle. Into a small bowl, mix the remaining buttermilk and butter and brush over the loaf.

4. Bake the bread in the oven for around 30 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the loaf comes out clean.

Recipe courtesy of All Recipes.

Irish Stew
This recipe combines a multitude of savory flavors that creates a delicious stew, perfect for a cold night. The mixture of various vegetables gives the dish a hearty and cozy taste.

Irish Stew

Photo: This stew, filled with vegetables and lamb, is a perfect meal to eat on a cold day.

This stew, filled with vegetables and lamb, is a perfect meal to eat on a cold day. Photo courtesy of Meaghan Mallari.

Preparation:

2. Place the cubes into a large, heavy pot with the water and salt. Bring to boil, skimming off any fat from the surface, and let simmer for 30 minutes.

3. Add half of the amount of potatoes to the pot and let simmer for 30 minutes. After simmering, break up the potatoes by stirring vigorously.

4. Add remaining potatoes, carrots, leeks, onions and thyme to the pot and let simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the meat and vegetables are tender.

5. Add the parsley, cream and butter. Reheat if necessary and serve.

Recipe courtesy of "Gourmet Ireland" by Paul and Jeanne Rankin.

Caramel Apple Cake
A moist, tasty dessert, this recipe requires little work and the result is wonderful. With a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, this dish is truly heavenly.

The cake:
- 1 pkg. of apple-cinnamon quick bread mix
- 1 cup of chopped apples
- 3/4 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of oil
- 1 egg

The topping:
- Remaining powdered sugar
- 2 tbs. of powdered sugar
- Cinnamon, if desired

Preparation:

2. Pour the mixture into the bottom of an un-greased cake pan and set aside.

3. Combine all of the cake ingredients in a large bowl, mixing well. Pour the cake batter over the caramel.

4. While the cake is baking (which will take around 30 to 40 minutes), mix the remaining cream with the sugar until whipped and use a topping for the cake.

Recipes courtesy of Ruth Burkhardt.

These recipes are all delicious and can be eaten alone or combined to make one huge meal. Whether you are Irish or not, these recipes will add an authentic zest to your St. Patrick's Day evening.