Five Elegant Irish Favorites for St. Patrick's Day!

The first St. Patrick's Day celebrations were held in 1734, and many people are surprised to learn that the famous 5th century CE Irish Saint was actually of Roman decent. St. Patrick was of Italian decent.

Each year as the holiday approaches, and I teach Irish cooking classes, my mother reminds me that "his parents, Calphurnius (a high Roman diplomat) and Conchessa, were Roman citizens who lived in modern day Britain. At one point, the area that they lived in was invaded by the Irish and Patrick was forced into slavery. At 21 years old, he escaped and made it back to Rome to find that most of the Roman empire had been lost.  He later became known as the patron saint of Ireland. " Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated every March 17. Whether you're hosting a party or eating alone, here are some dishes that are worthy of a celebration themselves.

Smoked Salmon Topped Potato Pancakes with Mixed Greens

This is a breakfast or brunch version that doubles as a quick and elegant dinner. For a variation, try replacing regular potatoes for sweet potatoes.

 

Serves: 6

 

Ingredients:

 

For the Potato Pancakes:

 

2 large Idaho potatoes, peeled

Salt

Freshly ground pepper

1/2 cup melted butter

 

To Serve:

6 slices smoked salmon

2 tablespoons sour cream

2 teaspoons freshly chopped dill

3 cups mixed greens

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 teaspoons lemon juice or balsamic vinegar

Preparation:

Shred potatoes in a food processor or with large holed blade of a box grater.

Season with salt and pepper and shape into 6 pancakes, squeezing out excess water, if necessary.

Heat butter in a large, wide skillet over medium high heat.

Add potato pancakes and cook for approximately 5 minutes per side.

To serve, place the pancakes on a serving plate. a flower out of the smoked salmon and place on top.

Fill the inside of the flour with sour cream.

Serve with mixed greens dressed with oil and lemon or vinegar.

 

Irish Pub Beef Stew

 

 

 

Serves 4 to 6

INGREDIENTS:

11/4 cup olive oil

1 1/4 pounds well-marbled chuck beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces (NOT extra-lean)

6 large garlic cloves, minced

6 cups beef stock or canned beef broth

 1 cup of Guinness beer

 1 cup of fine red wine

 2 tablespoons tomato paste

 1 tablespoon sugar

 1 tablespoon dried thyme

 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 bay leaves

2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter

 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

 1 large onion, chopped

 2 cups 1/2-inch pieces peeled carrots

Salt and Pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Preparation:

Heat olive oil in heavy bottomed large pot over medium-high heat. Lightly salt the beef pieces. Working in batches if necessary, add the beef (do not crowd the pan, or the meat will steam and not brown) and cook, without stirring, until nicely browned on one side, then use tongs to turn the pieces over. Continue to cook in this manner until all sides are browned, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute. Add beef stock, Guinness, red wine, tomato paste, sugar, thyme, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves. Stir to combine. Bring mixture to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, then cover and simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Add potatoes, onion and carrots. Simmer uncovered until vegetables and beef are very tender, about 40 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Tilt pan and spoon off fat. Transfer stew to serving bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with parsley and serve. (Can be prepared up to 2 days ahead. Cool slightly. Refrigerate uncovered until cold, then cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer before serving.)

 

 

 

Traditional Irish Soda Bread

 

 

A gluten free lifestyle doesn’t have to mean giving up family favorites. Substitute GF baking mix for the flour for a wholesome, wheat free version of Irish Soda Bread.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup  oats
1 egg
¾ cup buttermilk or milk

 

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly dust a cookie sheet with flour.

2. Mix flour blend, baking soda, baking powder, salt and oats in a bowl.

3. Add egg and buttermilk and mix to form a soft, sticky dough.

4. Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead three times.

5. Shape dough into a 6-inch flat round. Place it on prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle it with flour and score a large X in the top.

6. Bake in preheated oven until top is golden brown, about 30 to 35 minutes.

 

Irish Cream Brownies

Double this recipe to make in a 9x13-inch pan. Brownies can be made a head and frozen. Coffee can be substituted for liqueur and Nutella or Dulce de Leche can be substituted for toffee bits.

Ingredients:

 ½ cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
½ cup sugar
1 tablespoon water
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons Irish Creme Liqueur
1 egg
3 tablespoons toffee baking bits 
Preparation:

Preheat oven to 325F degrees.  In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt.

 Combine butter, sugar and water in a small saucepan over high heat, stir well, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in half of chocolate (3 ounces), vanilla, and Irish Crème Liqueur.

 Stir in egg and mix well to combine.  Carefully blend in flour mixture.  Stir in remaining 3 ounces chocolate.  Pour into a greased 5-inch baking pan. Spread top evenly.

Using a butter knife, swirl the toffee baking bits into the brownie mixture. Bake on middle oven rack for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.

Irish coffee

Serves: 4

Ingredients:
4 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
4 tablespoon brown sugar
4 jigger Irish whiskey (1 1/2 ounces or 3 tablespoons)
Heavy cream, slightly whipped

Directions:

 Fill footed mug or a mug with hot water to preheat it, then empty. Pour piping hot coffee into warmed glass until it is about 3/4 full. Add the brown sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Blend in Irish whiskey. Top with a collar of the whipped heavy cream by pouring gently over back of spoon. Serve hot.