Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Blog: Nosh On
March 17, 2010
Growing up, we always had corned beef on St. Patrick's Day. And everyone in my family wore green. It was the one day of the year that we embraced our Irish heritage. We're really not sure, though, if we have Irish ancestry at all. No matter, today, everyone's Irish. It's just like on Cinco de Mayo when everyone's Mexican. Or Bastille Day, when everyone's French — just kidding. I don't know anyone who celebrates Bastille Day, not that they shouldn't. In fact, I'm thinking that Bastille Day (July 14) is perfect for celebrating. Yes, this year I will celebrate by drinking wine and eating good cheese. Oh, and speaking in a fake French accent. I love doing fake accents.
Anyway, today, I'm following tradition by wearing green (no pinches for me!) and making corned beef. In addition I'm planning to prepare colcannon and this recipe for Irish Soda Bread.
My friend and coworker, Brianne Pruitt, made some last night and brought a loaf in to the office to share with all of us. It's delightful. Not too heavy on soda flavors and nice and moist. She said it was easy, too, only requiring loaf pans instead of hand-shaping.
For those of you who haven't made the traditional potato and cabbage dish that is colcannon, here's my method. It's really, really easy, and tastes great.
Colcannon
2 pounds potatoes, peeled
4 tablespoons butter, divided
1 large shallot or 1 medium onion chopped
1/2 head cabbage, chopped
1 cup warm milk
Salt and pepper to taste
1 bunch scallions, chopped (optional)
Place potatoes in a water-filled pot and bring to a boil. Boil for about 15-20 minutes, until potatoes are soft enough to be pierced easily with a fork. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add onion or shallot and saute for a couple of minutes, until pieces begin to soften. Add cabbage and cook until soft, about 10-15 minutes.
Once potatoes are soft, drain and return to pan. Mash with a potato masher and add milk and remaining butter. Continue mashing until they reach desired consistency. Add cooked cabbage and onions to potatoes and stir. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with scallions if using.
Enjoy.
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Mom 1 year, 10 months ago
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Great meal, Rochelle!
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