Family Foodies

I’ve always been fascinated with The Emerald Isle. The beautiful rolling hills all green in pictures are so breath taking.

Over the years we have tried lots of traditional Irish recipes. My favorite is called “Colcannon”. I have made this a lot in the winter, because it’s a real stick to your ribs dish. I actually got this recipe out of a ‘traditional Irish’ cookbook from the library when my daughter was doing a report on Ireland one year.

Colcannon

• 2 1/2 pounds potatoes peeled and cubed (I prefer not to peel them myself)
• 4 slices bacon (we use the whole package)
• 1/2 of a head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 onion chopped and few cloves of garlic minced (or as many cloves of garlic you’d like)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• salt and pepper to taste

(I have since enhanced this to include 2 cups graded cheddar cheese)

Put potatoes in sauce pan with enough water to cover. Bring to boil. Cook 15-20 minutes, till tender.

Meanwhile, cook bacon in skillet till crisp, over med/hi heat. Drain well on paper towels, crumble and set aside.

Reserve a tablespoon or two of drippings in skillet. In the drippings, saute onion and garlic with cabbage about 10 minutes, or until soft and translucent.

Mash potatoes with milk. Add salt, pepper, bacon and cabbage with onion and garlic to potatoes.

Transfer to a serving bowl. Make a well in the center and pour butter in. Mix well. Upon each serving, I put a healthy dose of cheese.

We make this our whole dinner when we eat it.

I have found other St. Patrick’s Day recipes for your surfing pleasure as well:

• Here is a simple Cabbage recipe you may want to try.
• What is St. Patrick’s Day without Corned Beef Hash?

Wishing the Luck of the Irish to you this St. Patrick’s Day and beyond!