Luck Of The Irish

We are so "Lucky" this year that St. Patty's Day is on a Saturday. I will be spending my day at the baseball field but that evening I will be serving our Annual Traditional St. Patrick's Day Meal when we get home.  Chances are that we will be coming home with more than the 6 of us that live in this house so I am starting to prepare today as even if You Are NOT Irish on March 17th it gives us all the opportunity to celebrate and be IRISH. 

Yes all my teams will be wearing Green socks even though they are Yankees, Padres and Angels, to make sure they do not get "pinched" that day. 

Here is a picture of our Yankees Team last year wearing Green Socks!

As far as a menu here is a recipe that my mom makes every year and it will be a sure hit with your crowd.  This recipe serves 6 so if you need to, like me, just double it. 

Corned Beef and Cabbage for St. Patrick's Day 

 5-1/2 lb Corned Beef

2 large onions

15 small white potatoes (new potatoes, the ones that are red, are fine, too)

10 carrots cut in 1-inch pieces

2 heads of cabbage, cored, and cut into wedges

Rinse corned beef under cold water and place in large pot------Add enough water to cover roast by 6 inches

Peel onion and put in pot with meat

Bring to rolling boil and cook for 30 min.

Reduce the heat to a gentle boil (medium or low), cover, and cook 3-1/2 hours

Remove lid from roast, remove onions and cut in wedges, return to pot and add carrots to pot, then place cabbage over roast

Put potatoes over the cabbage----Place lid back on pot and cook another 30 min or until potatoes are tender (not mushy) there should be enough water that potatoes are cooking in water.

Remove veggies from pot and place in separate serving bowl---keep corned beef in pot until ready to eat as it dries out easily

Note: there should always be a peppercorn spice packet in with your package of meat.  If this is missing then you need to add peppercorns and maybe 1-T or more of pickling spice to your meat as this is what gives it the flavor other wise it will taste too bland. Your meat is ready when the fork comes out of it easily

Serve with horseradish or mustard for dipping.  You can offer both.  You can also sprinkle a little malt vinegar over the vegetables for a little more flavor.

This meal is good served with fresh rye bread from bakery section of your grocery store and of course with butter

It's an easy meal once it is put together and people will LOVE IT.

As far as Drinks…

You can always add a little Green Food Coloring to every late beer, Sprite, 7-Up, Sparkling Water even white wine etc, that is easy to do. 

If you are looking to be more traditional IRISH -- I suggest you offer your guests a Guinness with either a Harp or Bass Ale for a Black and Tan.

If you are looking for a more Sophisticated drink offer an Emerald Isle 

1-2 oz. gin or vodka

1 tsp green crème de menthe

2 dashes of bitters

Mix it all in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well and serve in a chilled glass. 

As far a dessert, i am going to do something SIMPLE like Mint Chip Ice Cream, chocolate syrup and whipped cream to make a yummy Sundaes or (St. Patrick's Saturdaes) or make some cupcakes using a white cake mix and vanilla frosting but again use the green food coloring. 

As far as fun make sure your guests show up in green and the more the merrier.  

 Look at my Friend Beckie who is also our school President. 

Beckie, into School Spirit and St. Paddy's Day.  Way to go Beckie!

Happy St. Patrick's Day Everybody!

Love Jillien