As Patrick’s Day approaches, I reflect on the rich culinary traditions that have made their way from the Emerald Isle to tables worldwide. While today’s celebrations often focus on green beer and shamrocks, the true heart of Irish culture lies in its comforting, hearty cuisine, which has sustained generations through feasts and famines.A Traditional Irish Feast Without the Fuss
Let’s be honest – while cooking a traditional Irish feast from scratch can be rewarding, it’s also time-consuming. You can still take a short cut but still be authentic. Parkers GBI is a woman-owned business with a remarkable story. When the original owners decided to retire, these 2 passionate ex-Pats convinced them to sell rather than let the beloved business disappear. Just seven months since relaunching, they’ve maintained the tradition and quality by bringing back many of the original staff and staying committed to authentic, preservative-free recipes.
Parker’s Irish-inspired offerings make celebrating St. Patrick’s Day deliciously convenient this year. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply wanting to honor the day with a special meal, here are some traditional favorites worth considering:
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Corned Beef Slice The Dubliner – What could be more fitting than tender chunks of steak and mushrooms swimming in rich Guinness gravy, all wrapped in Parker’s famous golden puff pastry? This savory pie captures the essence of Irish pub food at its finest.
- Shepherd’s Pie – This quintessential Irish comfort food features tender minced lamb topped with fluffy mashed potatoes – precisely as you’d find it in a cozy Dublin pub. Parker’s version stays true to tradition while saving you hours in the kitchen.
- Corned Beef Slice—A classic synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Parker’s offers lightly seasoned corned beef paired with chopped potatoes in its signature golden pastry.
- Steak & Stout Sausages – Available in Parker’s Heritage Sausage Box, these Irish-inspired bangers incorporate stout beer’s rich, malty flavor – perfect for breakfast or as part of your main meal.
Start the Day Off Right
For those looking to start the day with an Irish breakfast tradition, consider trying your hand at Boxty – traditional Irish potato pancakes. The old Irish rhyme goes: “Boxty on the griddle, boxty on the pan, if you can’t make boxty, you’ll never get a man!” While I can’t vouch for its matchmaking abilities, I can attest to how deliciously these potato pancakes pair with Parker’s black pudding or their wet-cured bacon.
Sweet Endings: Irish Apple Cake
While Parker’s offers excellent savory and dessert options, I still enjoy making one unique item from scratch for St. Patrick’s Day – traditional Irish Apple Cake. Unlike many overly sweet American desserts, this humble cake lets the natural tartness of the apples shine through, complemented by warm spices and a tender crumb structure that’s been perfected in Irish farmhouse kitchens for generations. It’s the perfect homemade touch to complement your convenient Irish feast.
The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Serve it slightly warm with a dollop of clotted cream for an indulgent experience, or enjoy it alongside afternoon tea as the Irish have done for centuries.
A Connection to Heritage
Whether your ancestry traces back to Ireland or you appreciate good food, embracing these culinary traditions offers a meaningful way to connect with Irish culture beyond the green-tinted festivities. Each dish tells a story of resilience, community, and making the most of simple, quality ingredients. Click for more St. Patrick’s Day recipes.
Wishing you all a heartfelt “Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Duit” (Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you)!
Traditional Irish Apple Cake
Originally, Irish apple cakes were steamed in pots beside an open fire. Each Irish home has it’s own variation.
Equipment
- 1 10 inch spring form pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 8 tbsp. butter 1 stick
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 2 medium apples peeled, cored and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 dash cloves ground
- 1 dash cinnamon ground
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line the bottom of a 10" springform pan with parchment paper. and grease the sides with my non-stick baking glaze*. Set aside.
- In a medium-size bowl, Add the flour and baking powder. Cut in 1 stick, 8 tablespoons of butter, into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Whisk sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the flour and butter mixture.
- Make a well in the center of the bowl and add the beaten egg, milk, and vanilla. Mix until a a thick, soft dough forms.
- Spoon and press dough into the bottom of the springform pan. Wetting the tips of your clean hands will help you distribute it evenly. Arrange the apples on top of the dough. Combine 1 tablespoon of sugar and a dash each of ground cloves and cinnamon. Sprinkle over the apples.
- Place on the middle rack of your oven. Bake in a 350 F degree oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly, cut into wedges and dust with powdered sugar. Or serve with whipped cream — or ice cream!
Nutrition
Serving: 20gCalories: 182kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 4gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 130mgPotassium: 89mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 77IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 97mgIron: 1mg
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