St. Patrick's Day is almost here. While it originally was (and in some places still is) a mandatory Christian holiday to celebrate the (forcible) conversion of the Pagans in Ireland, in many places (especially North America) it has become a time to eat things like corned beef and cabbage. To drive one's body to diabetic shock with all those Shamrock Shakes, and to drink green beer to inebriation (and beyond).
Whether you want to have a simple dinner, or are planning a party, these recipes can help.
Here's a recipe for Irish Stew, made Vegan. I plan on trying this one!
And one for Dublin Coddle with Vegan Irish "Sausage", , which is basically seasoned "sausage" and potatoes.
If you're more of the Corned Beef and Cabbage type, here's a way to make a Vegetarian Corned "Beef"! And here's another. Unfortunately, I haven't tried either of these recipes (the one I DID like has since been taken down). Both of these would obviously be made ahead. If you're in a hurry, try Vegan Corned "Beef" and Cabbage. But the benefit of making the Corned "Beef" is that you can set some aside for Corned "Beef" Hash....though there's always THIS recipe that uses beans in place of the beef. For those who aren't Vegetarian, here are instructions for corning a beef brisket quickly (though if you start it curing now, it'll be a lot more flavourful....).
Here is a site with a couple traditional Irish Soda Bread recipes.
Here's a recipe for a Porter Cake (watch your beer if you're Vegetarian....). Here's an Irish Shortbread recipe. While probably not traditional, here's a yummy-sounding recipe for Irish Cream Celebration Cake. Or you can just use a shamrock cutter and cut out some sugar cookies....
As for beverages: Few can resist a Shamrock Shake copycat (especially if you lace it with vodka as I do). Here's a recipe for Irish Coffee. Here's one I've never had (not a fan of Guinness...which is only Vegetarian if you're buying Guinness Extra Stout in North America), but apparently it's a traditional drink: Black Velvet. As for that ever-present green beer....just put 4-6 drops of green colouring in the bottom of a beer mug and pour the beer over. And for those who don't drink alcohol? Well, aside from the Shamrock Shake, you could try any of these Non-Alcoholic Irish Drink recipes!
Finally, Here's a list of ten Vegetarian recipes for St. Patrick's Day. I haven't really gone through this one yet, so appologize if any of the recipes are duplicated (or similar).
Until next time, save the snakes!