Discovering the Irish

It's March, so all my thoughts turn to Ireland.

My husband and I honeymooned in Ireland 36 years ago and almost didn't leave. We seriously were considering how to make a life for ourselves there. Ultimately, family drew us home.

But my love for Ireland has persisted.

And when March rolls around, I start wanting my soda bread scones and tea.

You can find that post here.

This year I've been amused to see Starbucks with Irish Cream Cold Brew

and Pepperidge Farm bringing out the Irish in cookies. 


First they had the Irish Cream Milanos at Christmas,

and today I discovered Dublin shortbread.

Instead of sharing something I've cooked today, I'm sharing some recipes from other websites for Irish Colcannon.


Colcannon is a mix of potatoes and either cabbage or kale.

The Food Network has a recipe for the cabbage Colcannon.

Simply Recipes makes theirs with kale - Colcannon


Both include potatoes and lots of butter and cream. It's not something we could eat every day, but once a year, it makes a lovely meal.

Today I found a new version that appealed to me - Colcannon Soup.

With leeks, potatoes, and cabbage - imagine pairing it with some nice Irish brown bread for a lovely warm meal when the March winds howl.

What do you think?

Shepherd's Pie Twice Baked Potatoes: a Taste of Ireland

I've spent most of the past three weeks in the hospital with my husband, so not much cooking got done. But when I can cook again, I totally intend to make this recipe.

So, I'm cheating by just posting a link, but I hope you'll forgive me because it looks that good.

Shepherd's Pie Twice Baked Potatoes

It's from the Food Network, and it's hard to go wrong with their recipes.

To make up for the copied recipe, here are some lovely photos of Ireland to appreciate her beauty in anticipation of St. Patrick's Day. It's been over 30 years since I was there, but it still feels like home.