Tuesday, March 16, 2010

An Irish Feast



Tomorrow, we Irish-Americans observe one of our high-holy days: St. Patrick’s Day. And, in honor of the event, I’m going to shamelessly recount a story I heard on NPR this morning.

British food writer Nigella Lawson (LOVE HER!!) provided some fabulous suggestions for a St. Patrick’s Day meal, including the London Irish Club’s (which, alas, is no longer) version of Irish stew and chocolate Guinness cake.

For those of us familiar with standard Irish stew, it can sometimes be a little watery and full of under or over-cooked potatoes. When in Ireland, hubby and I did try some Irish stew at a restaurant in Dublin, and I must admit it was nothing to write home about. So, when I heard Lawson talk about this recipe that calls for veal stock and lamb chops, well, my ears perked up.

As far as the cake, it sounds amazing. But, as I mentioned, I’ve given up chocolate for Lent, so I won’t be partaking in such a devilishly good dessert. Although, do you think the Archbishop will give me a dispensation for one day? Probably not.

Lawson also suggested stepping outside the box in regard to your drink of choice. Now, for some folks, not having a pint of Guinness or a shot of Jameson on St. Paddy’s Day is a sacrilege. But her suggestion of the Emerald Isle sounds like a tasty alternative. It’s a minty martini that calls for a shot of gin, a teaspoon of green creme de menthe and bitters.

So, if you have time to labor over a St. Paddy’s Day feast, you may want to stop by the butcher for lamb chops and the market for fresh veggies and dessert fixings. What’s my family having for St. Paddy’s Day you ask? Well, considering our daughter has soccer practice, we’ll probably be dining on the Filet O’Fish from that other well-known Irish establishment. ;)

Recipes:

The Irish Club’s Irish Stew

Chocolate Guinness Cake

Images courtesy of Nigella Lawson and Flicker

7 comments:

Coryanne Ettiene | Kitchen Living with Coryanne said...

Nigella is divine, I just adore her, down to her own private story as well (if you have not read it, I urge you to, amazing really). I have an irish stew planned for the big event, and a few stouts in the bar for my hubby.

Seersucker Scrapper said...

That cake looks heavenly! I'm not a big fan of Guinness but may need to try that.

Sevenbeads said...

Unfortunately, I'm the only one in my house who loves lamb. I just enjoy it when I go out. We're having corned beef, cabbage and potatoes this weekend. Your Irish stew picture looks wonderful.

Trish {Pink Preppy Lilly Lover} said...

I just love Nigella too. She is so easy to relate to, and I never feel like she is forcing her 'brand' on me, just like a girlfriend chatting in the kitchen and sharing recipes. My hubby is going to be out of town tomorrow for St. Pat's for business, so I am going to have supper at a little Irish pub with a girlfriend. That Guinness cake sounds yummy!

James said...

It all looks wonderful, but I don't think I could give up even a cup of Guinness for the cake!

JDB said...

Hi, I've seen you comment on several blogs that I regularly follow so I stopped by. And what a great day to do so, that cake looks amazing! I may have to re-think tomorrow's menu.

Jessica Ryan said...

I too love Nigella Thanks for sharing those recipes!