A Culinary Celebration: St. Patrick's Day Delights

Ah, my fellow food enthusiasts! As March unfolds, we find ourselves eagerly anticipating the arrival of St. Patrick's Day – a joyous occasion filled with vibrant greens, hearty dishes, and a dash of Irish spirit.

St. Patrick’s Day is one of my favorite holidays as it captures the essence of American culture. I especially love celebrating St. Patty’s Day in the Northeast, where neighborhoods tackle the chilly March air to catch parades in their towns, then dive into green beer and scrumptious corned beef and cabbage. So, without further ado, let's explore the delightful recipes that make St. Patty's Day a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

1. Embracing the Greenery

St. Patrick's Day is synonymous with lush green landscapes, and our tables should reflect this verdant beauty. Start your day with a nutritious and refreshing green smoothie. Blend spinach, kale, banana, and a touch of mint for a vibrant concoction that will kickstart your festivities in the healthiest way possible.

2. The Irish Breakfast Extravaganza

No St. Patrick's Day celebration would be complete without a hearty Irish breakfast. Think - sizzling sausages, crispy bacon, and perfectly poached eggs. Add a side of soda bread and finish it off with a dollop of Irish butter. Trust me, your taste buds will be dancing a lively jig!

Author: Chef Jorge Montes

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Irish Soda Bread w/Butter Beer Glaze

This Irish Soda Bread recipe is closer to a Scone consistency, less dense than a traditional soda bread. The butter beer glaze creates a rich amber finish that will sham-ROCK your St. Patty's Day feast.

Ingredients

• 4 to 4 1/2 cups Flour
• 1 tbsp Sugar
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 4 tbsp Butter
• 1 cup Currants or Raisins
• 1 large Egg, lightly beaten
• 1 3/4 cups Buttermilk
• 1 cup Butter Beer Glaze (see recipe) or 1/2 cup of honey

Butter Beer Glaze

• 12 oz Guinness
• 3 tbsp Honey
• 1/2 cup Molasses
• 4 oz Butter, cut into cubes
• Pinch of Salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking soda in a large bowl.
3. Work the butter into the flour with your hands.
4. Add currants or raisins.
5. Make a well, add buttermilk, egg and knead into dough until it is too stiff to stir.
6. Dust hands with a little flour, then gently knead dough in the bowl just long enough to form a rough ball.
7. If the dough is too sticky to work with, add a little more flour. Do not over-knead!
8. Transfer dough into a greased round baking dish.
9. Make an X on top and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
10. Uncover and bake for 10 minutes. Let rest for 15 minutes
11. Glaze with butter-beer glaze.

Butter Beer Glaze

1. Place beer, honey, molasses, salt in pot.
2. Cook on medium heat for 15-20 minutes until it is reduced by half.
3. Whisk in the butter while cooking on low until fully incorporated.

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3. A Toast to the Irish

Raise a glass to the Emerald Isle with a classic Irish coffee. The warmth of the whiskey, the robust flavor of the coffee, and the silky cream on top create a harmonious symphony that will keep the chill at bay. It's the perfect libation to accompany your St. Patrick's Day brunch or to share with friends as the day unfolds.

4. Time for the Main Event – Corned Beef and Cabbage

Now, for the pièce de résistance – corned beef and cabbage. A true St. Patrick's Day classic, this dish is a symbol of Irish-American culinary fusion. This year, we’re taking a modern twist on the traditional recipe by using an Instant Pot.

Yield: 4

Author: Chef Jorge Montes

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Instant Pot Corned Beef & Cabbage

Using the Instant Pot not only makes the process faster but also ensures that your corned beef is succulent and your vegetables are cooked to perfection.

Prep time: 20 MinCook time: 1 HourTotal time: 1 H & 20 M

Ingredients

• 2-3 lbs Corned beef
• 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 spice packet (from corned beef) ( or 1 tbsp. mustard seeds/ 1 tsp thyme / 3 cloves)
• 1/2 onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 bunch parsley stems
• 1 Guinness (12oz)
• 2 Cups Beef Broth
• 1 Tbsp. Soy sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cabbage cut into 1/8s
• 4 carrots
• 1 - 2 lbs Yukon gold or red bliss potatoes, cut into halves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Remove the corned beef from its packaging and reserve the spice pack if available. Rinse the beef with water and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. In a mixing bowl rub the beef with mustard and spices, along with salt and pepper.
3. Place Beef fat side down in the instant pot and place the onion, garlic and parsley stems on top. Add beer and soy sauce and cover the pot. Pressure cook for 30 min.
4. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside. Discard the parsley stem and remove the onion and garlic with a slotted spoon into a bow. Mash up the onion and garlic with a fork.
5. Place the cabbage wedges in the bottom of the pot then top with the beef. Add carrots, potatoes, chicken broth , onion puree and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Cover and pressure cook for 20 minutes.
6. Carefully remove the veggies and potatoes on a platter. Allow the beef to rest for 15 minutes before slicing and make sure to cut against the grain.
7. Serve the beef sliced with the veggies and potatoes and use the broth as a sauce or drink on the side like a soup. Serve with horseradish mustard sauce and garnish with herbs.

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5. Zesty Horseradish Mustard Sauce

Chef-up your main dish with a simple homemade horseradish-mustard sauce that will be the perfect companion to your succulent corned beef. Trust me, it’s the secret weapon that takes your St. Patrick's Day feast from delightful to extraordinary!

Author: Chef Jorge Montes

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Horseradish-Mustard Sauce

This zesty sauce adds a bold kick and depth of flavor, elevating the entire dining experience. Spread a generous amount of this horseradish mustard sauce on your corned beef slices, or serve it on the side for dipping.

Ingredients

• 1/2 Cup Mayo
• 1/2 Cup Sour Cream
• 3 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard
• 3 Tbsp. Grated Horseradish
• 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire
• Salt & Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Simply combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl, mix well, and serve!

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6. Sweet Endings with Irish Desserts: Cap off your St. Patrick's Day feast with a touch of sweetness. Irish desserts are simple yet incredibly satisfying. Bake up a batch of traditional Irish scones, served warm with clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam. Or indulge in a rich and velvety Irish stout chocolate cake – a decadent treat that will leave your guests singing your culinary praises.

7. A Farewell with Irish Whiskey:

As the day comes to a close, bid adieu to St. Patrick's Day with a nightcap featuring Ireland's liquid gold – Irish whiskey. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, Irish whiskey is the perfect companion to reflect on the day's festivities and toast to the traditions that make this celebration so special. I recommend Redbreast Whiskey...both for the name and the taste 😉

So, dear foodies, as you prepare to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style, may your plates be filled with deliciousness and your hearts be light with the joy of this festive occasion. Sláinte to good food, good company, and the luck of the Irish! ~Chef Jorge