As part of Irish mythology and folklore the Leprechauns are part of Ireland’s faerie folk, called by some as the “wee folk”. As a cousin of the clurichaun they are known to have inhabited Ireland well before the arrival of the Celts. Small enough for one to sit comfortable on your shoulder they are very…
“Red Jacket” Colcannon
Colcannon is a customary Irish potato dish that is not only rich in flavor, but folklore and history as well. It’s also a perfect recipe to make with the kids while sharing its interesting history! Contrary to popular belief that this is a St. Patrick’s Day dish, by tradition, it’s actually made on All Saints Day…
A Tale of Ireland Sure to Warm the Cockles of Your Heart
This is a true personal account drawn from the memory of my dear British friend, Jackson Stones. We thank you, Jackson for your time, warmth and generous contribution. “It was a few years ago now, but I remember it well. Galway, is a tiny city in the far west of Ireland. A small university town…
Chocolate Stout or Gunness Float
This remarkable velvety brew will make you dream of the return of St. Patrick’s Day, everyday! Creamy, sweet, chocolaty, semi-bitter edged, frothy, buttery…heaven! In the past, I have always used Guinness, but ever since discovering the “chocolate stout,” I have never looked back. Having said the latter, “both” ales are marvelous—especially in this delectable frothy…
Shamrocks? 4-Leaf Clovers? There is a Difference!
According to St. Patrick’s Day lore, Patrick used the “three” leaves of a shamrock to explain the holy trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Today, St. Patrick’s Day revelers wear a shamrock out of tradition; the people of Ireland, here in the U.S and “across the pond,” wear an authentic shamrock for…
Irish Soda Bread “American Style”
This is a sweeter, chewier, lighter and richer version of Traditional Irish Soda Bread. And, in my opinion and experience, seems to be more in harmony with the American taste. The conventional Irish Soda bread simply combines flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk; it’s not sweet and has a very dense, somewhat doughy crumb. Most…
Do The Irish Wear Green on Saint Patrick’s Day? Think Again!
Do The Irish Wear Green on Saint Patrick’s Day? Think Again! Corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, Shepard’s pie, Colcannon, just to name a few of the upcoming traditional Irish recipes to be posted here in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. However, the question today is “do the Irish wear green on St. Patrick’s Day?”…
“Leap Year” Isn’t Merely a Hollywood Movie St. Patrick Started the Script!
In the wake of this past February, and the slight fringe of the upcoming Leap Year of February 29, 2016, I’d like to share a fun fact of the correlation of Saint Patrick and the “Leap Year.” According to legend, tiresome of Saint Bridget’s constant complaints about the traditional social mores requiring women to wait…
The Spirit of Life? You decide!
The American Indians called it “Firewater” the French, “Espirit” the spirit of life. Latin’s “Spiritus” to breathe, a slow breath, Irish Whiskey uisce beatha (“Water of Life” in Gaelic) prononced Ish Ka Ba Ha… Alchemists regarded distillation as extracting the spirit of the substance, in the sense of the essence. Since it came out as invisible…
Saint David and the Leeks!
“David was alive in the 6th century in Wales and was a bishop there. He evangelised and set up places in Cornwall, Brittany and sent others there, plus Ireland to hear the word of God. He has been the patron saint of Wales for quite a few centuries, date unknown, and his day is still…
Once Upon a Spice 