By Sarah Skerrett, Mr. Food Editor
If you’ve waited until today to plan your St. Patrick’s Day meals, don’t rely on the luck of the Irish to pull together something fast – let the Mr. Food leprechauns make your menu in a minute! Whether you want to make one dish or the entire menu, it’s a great way to celebrate the very greenest day of the year.
During Mr. Food’s “A Taste of Ireland” series in 2009, Mr. Food traveled all around the Emerald Isle, meeting friends and sampling foods. Many of the recipes you find on MrFood.com are adaptations of dishes he tried in Ireland, like Beef and Guinness Casserole from Larkin’s Irish Pub in County Tipperary. His version is easy to make and tastes just like the original! But don’t take my word for it: watch Mr. Food experience an Irish Beef and Guinness Casserole on YouTube (click the green “Watch Video” button)!
Beef and Guinness Casserole is a classic Irish dish that gets its kick from Guinness beer. The thick sauce and tender beef combine with chunks of vegetables for a rich, hearty stew. The best part about this dish is it cooks in one pot, freeing you (and your oven!) up to focus on other menu items.
St. Patrick’s day wouldn’t be the same without Sweet & Sour Irish Cabbage and Glazed Corned Beef, the Irish equivalent of peanut butter and jelly. Serve together alongside Champ Potatoes (a.k.a. Irish mashed potatoes), easy-to-make potatoes that have flavorful scallions in every bite.
For dessert – if there’s room! - Irish Soda Bread, Shamrock Shortbread and Irish Coffee make the perfect finish.
“St. Patrick’s Day is an enchanted time — a day to begin transforming winter’s dreams into summer’s magic.”
–Adrienne Cook
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
