St. Patrick's Day!

    St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland dates back to the 17th century, as a religious feast day that commemorates the death of St. Patrick in the fifth century. St. Patrick is credited with having brought Christianity to Ireland, and so became a figure of national devotion and eventually, the nation’s patron saint. The day’s importance was confirmed in 1631 when it was recognized by the Vatican(1)
   Celebrations worldwide generally involve public parades and festivals, and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks (4 leaf clovers). Some Christians also attend church services, and the Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol are lifted for the day (which may explain the holiday's tradition of alcohol consumption).
   In the Republic of Ireland, Saint Patricks Day is a public holiday, as it also is in Newfoundland and Labrador (here in Canada), and also in the British Overseas Territories, Montserrat (in the Caribbean).
   It is also my Mom's birthday. Happy birthday Mom!!!  xoxo  Her name is Pat, isn't that clever. :) 
   Anyway, I wanted to share a few Irish recipes with yee today, none of my own, but all recipes that I have tried.  
   Good luck! Get it? Luck? Irish? Never mind...    

Irish Stew

 The point of Irish stew was to be simple and cost effective. I get the feeling that Irish Stew is not meant to be anything specific except to be easy and cheap to prepare, so don't make a fuss over it! Meat (usually lamb), onions, carrots and potatoes cooked in water are the main (and only really required) ingredients. But adding different flavours and veggies is not un-heard of. And I generally use a broth or stock to really give flavour to the stew.
   Here's a favourite recipe of mine for a fantastic stew. I sub in gluten free flour (A Bob's Red Mill blend) for the flour, and this New Grist Gluten Free Beer for the Guiness, and I have also used stewing beef instead of lamb shoulder a few times (I have used lamb shoulder when I could find it, and it was affordable).
   Click the green link to find the recipe and make this beautiful Guiness Lamb Stew from Jen Segal at Once Upon a Chef.  

Corned Beef with Cabbage

Photo from Once Upon a Chef

  This next recipe is similar to stew, it's just as simple, but uses sausage and bacon in it. Gosh it's good, we have it around here often. It's called an Irish Coddle, which just means you gently simmer everything together. I think the early Irish were pretty busy since most of their recipes let them cover a pot and walk away for some time, and also tasted great (sometimes even better) the day after being made. 
   This Dublin Coddle of sausage, bacon, onion and potato is simple, and extremely tasty. The recipe says to use the best sausage you can find, but honestly, I've only ever used Schneider's Oktoberfest Sausages and it's tasted great. I'm sure those aren't the best I could find, but we like them.
   This recipe can be found at food.com

Irish Coddle

Photo from French Tart at Food.com

  Though corned beef and cabbage are not well loved by everyone in my family, I certainly enjoy it! Corned beef is not made with corn, as most people believe. It is a beef brisket that has had time to soak in a salt brine (the large, coarse salt grains being referred to as 'corn'). We eat it here in Canada mostly as "Montreal Smoked Meat", which is basically corned beef that has been smoked after sitting in the brine.
   Anywho, that factoid being known, this simple dish is gluten free, & paleo without even trying! How modern! :)   
   It's a super simple dish of corned beef, cabbage, carrots and onions with the addition of some savoury herbs. My only change I've made to the recipe I'm linking to is that I use a homemade stock in place of the water. 
   Find the recipe from Epicurious here. 

This photo from Darina Allen's cookbook "Irish Traditional Cooking"

Carrigaline Whiskey Pie

Photos from Hungry Rabbit

  I'll end this Ode to Saint Patricks Day post with a dessert that is as simple as all those main courses. This whisky pie uses traditional Irish ingredients, and is a dessert cross between a sunken souffle and a quiche. It's delightful though, and gluten free.
   I first made this pie a few years ago after Googling "using leftover potatoes" and was amused to find a dessert among the results. I haven't made it in a while, but I remember how good it was. It was good enough that I printed out the recipe and tucked it into my recipe book. I have looked at it from time to time thinking, "I must remember this when I've got leftover potatoes", but the truth is, I'm lazy about potatoes! I rarely make mashed potatoes because they require more effort than I am generally interested in investing into my food! Especially since my kids don't like them! 
   Anyway, really, the amount of potatoes you need for this pie isn't that overwhelming and could be quickly boiled, just for a special occasion like St. Patrick's Day. :)  Find the recipe at Hungry Rabbit, right here.    

   I hope you enjoyed this Irish fare roundup, and get to make something festive for dinner tonight! 
   Random memory time....when I was young, on St. Patrick's Day my mom got her friend (who was from Ireland) to come over and teach us an Irish Ceili (pronounced kay-lee). I remember it being a lot of fun, and we may have also made fun of my Mom's friend who would count the dance, "one, two, tree and one, two, tree". She was patient with us though (I know I wouldn't have been if I were her!). :) 
   Anyway, have a good day, whatever Irish or non-Irish thing you decide to do!