Like many traditional dishes of the British Isles, my first taste of Irish Stew was in the dining hall of my college at Oxford. And it wasn’t a particularly good experience. Tough meat, watery broth, soggy vegetables. But I never gave up on the notion; I just think I liked this dish in theory more than in concept. But a warming, hearty lamb and vegetable stew is just a plain … [Read more...] about Irish Stew
Irish
Boxty (Irish Potato Cakes)
There was a pub I frequented when I was a graduate student in England. I will admit I didn’t eat there as much as my friends and I took a study break for last call at the bar. But they did serve food. It wasn’t gourmet, it wasn’t even all that great, but they did have these potato cakes that I was very fond of. They were cheap and filling, which are two of the top criteria … [Read more...] about Boxty (Irish Potato Cakes)
Simple Soda Bread
Soda bread is really a recipe to have in your pocket. Serving a nice, warm loaf of homemade bread at a moment’s notice is serious kitchen magic. And I’ve made the process for making Irish soda bread even easier by letting the mixer do the work. Soda bread is substantial and hearty – the perfect partner for soup or stew, or corned beef and cabbage. Good butter melting into … [Read more...] about Simple Soda Bread
Corned Beef and Cabbage Cooked in Beer
I am a newcomer to Corned Beef and Cabbage. I have generally enjoyed my corned beef deli sliced on a sandwich and my cabbage in slaw. My father is a big fan of corned beef and cabbage, but somehow it hadn’t trickled down to me. I had certainly thought about developing a recipe for St. Patrick’s Day, but hadn’t gotten around to it. Then, this winter, I was invited to a friend’s … [Read more...] about Corned Beef and Cabbage Cooked in Beer
Kiss Me, I’m Irish Cookies
St. Patrick’s Day is a silly holiday – in the best possible way. Grown folks dressing in green fuzzy wigs and big hats. Pinching co-workers and friends who forget to wear green. Drinking green beer. Singing Irish songs as if you just came over from the old country. In fact, celebrating a holiday largely based on snake-driving has an element of silliness to it from the get … [Read more...] about Kiss Me, I’m Irish Cookies