In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I wanted to make some of my favorite Irish dishes. Some of the ingredients are not available in the U.S. so with a little creativity, and a lot of inspiration, I created some mock versions that will have to hold me over until I can return for the authentic Irish version!
Full Irish Breakfast - This is a huge, hearty, soul satisfying meal to start your day. It is usually too much food for me, and I don't care for the black pudding, so I usually opt for the mini fry.
Ireland - Fried Eggs, Baked Beans, Boxty (Potato), Sausage, Rashers (Bacon), Black Pudding (Blood Sausage), Mushrooms, Tomatoes and Toast.
U.S. - Egg, Beans, Uncured Canadian Bacon, Toast.
Lunch is usually light - soup with bread, a ham and cheese toasted sandwich, or leftover baked beans on toast. All are easy to replicate and delicious.
My absolute favorite is Bacon and Cabbage. This is the national dish of Ireland (not corned beef) and is very much like the heart-warming boiled dinner my grandmother used to make for Sunday Supper.
Irish Back Bacon is impossible to find in the US, so I substitute Ham and it is reasonably close but definitely not as good as the original.
Ireland - Bacon, Potatoes, Cabbage, Parsley Sauce
U.S. - Ham, Potatoes, Cabbage, Butter Cream Sauce
Last but not least on my list is Guinness! There is nothing in the world that tastes like a fresh pint of the black stuff from Ireland!
Happy St. Patrick's Day and Slainte!
