An Irish Feast Fit for Big Guys in Kilts

Since I’ll be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day over the weekend I figured I’d share my recipes a few days early so you have time to shop and perhaps even celebrate over the weekend too. I mean seriously … celebrating this festive holiday properly cannot be done on a Wednesday night folks!

I’m fondly remembering our trip to Ireland several years back. We had a blast and it easily goes down as our best vacation ever! It’s just beautiful and the people are so fun-loving and friendly — I guess that could be brought on by the endless rows of empty Guinness kegs that would line the streets in the morning as the beer truck would go around and pick up the empties.

Regardless, the generations still come together and enjoy the music and dance, we went to tons of amazing old Irish pubs and danced and drank and really experienced the culture. They all seemed so proud of their country and traditions and shared stories with us and taught us to dance the Irish jig. Hilarious … there are pictures somewhere. We stayed in a wonderful old castle called Adare Manor. I’d highly recommend it … we will go back.

So, here’s what I’ll be cooking up for my St. Patrick’s Day Celebration:

Corn Beef and Cabbage Recipe

1. Place corn beef (point cut or plank/flat cut) in pot. I get mine at Publix and it comes with a season packet.
2. Cover with water.
3. Add 2-3 cloves or garlic, 2 bay leaves, and a few pinches of salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat, cover and simmer on low for 4-5 hours. Long and slow is the trick. Basically simmer for one hour per pound.
5. When corn beef is done, remove and cover on a plate.
6. Use the same fully flavored water to cook the cabbage which I quarter and cook for about 10 – 15 minutes on a medium to higher heat until tender.

Note: I’ve made this in a crock pot before but it doesn’t get as tender due to the slightly lower temperatures.

Roasted Red Potatoes (I prefer to roast my potatoes versus boil, but either is good)

1. While the meat is cooking I clean and quarter my red potatoes and then microwave to partially cook for about 8 – 10 minutes.
2. Place in a zip lock bag or covered Tupperware bowl.
3. Add 2 – 3 tablespoons of olive oil, pressed garlic and salt and pepper.
4. Shake to coat and then place on a baking sheet or baking pan coated with non-stick spray and place in the oven at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes.
5. Check mid-way and toss. You want them nice and lightly browned on all sides.
6. For the last minute or so I usually turn on the broiler to get that extra little yummy crispness. Keep watch and the broiler cooks them quick.

Now it’s all ready to serve and enjoy … with a cold one of course!

Beverage of Choice: An ice cold Smithwick’s (our drink of choice in Ireland).

Dessert: Homemade Irish Cream – Like Bailey’s

If you are feeling a little adventurous, here is a homemade Irish Cream recipe that’s sinfully delicious that a friend shared with me!!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup light cream (I used heavy whipping cream, which made it even richer)
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 1 2/3 cups Irish whiskey (I used Jameson we toured and taste tested while in Ireland … yum)
• 1 tsp. instant coffee
• 2 tbsp. Hershey’s chocolate syrup
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 tsp. almond extract

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and set on high speed for 30 seconds.
2. Bottle in a tightly sealed container and refrigerate. Shake before using.
3. Will keep for up to 2 months.

Enjoy your day, dance a jig, throw back a pint, listen to some Irish songs (they’re are all so fun and upbeat … ok, other than Oh Danny Boy) … who wouldn’t have a smashing good time. Oh, and enjoy the corn beef and cabbage recipe too.

“For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way-
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.”

Check out some of my other recipes that you might enjoy:

Velveeta Rotel Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe

Skinny Margarita Recipe

Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Roasted Red Pepper and Chipotle Hummus Recipe

Turkey Lasagna Recipe with Lasagna Sauce

Lisa’s Nearly Famous Pulled Pork Recipe

Quick and Easy Mighty Meatloaf Recipe

Turkey Pot Pie Recipe