Colcannon and All Good Things Irish

 

Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish made up of mashed potatoes with bits of kale or cabbage incorporated. The word “colcannon” comes from the Gaelic term “cal ceannann” translated to: white-headed cabbage. It is also believed to be a derivative of the old Irish “cainnenin” translated as: garlic, onion, or leek.

Colcannon with Kale and Cheddar

Cook's notes: Recipe adapted from cuisineathome.com April 2016 and serves 4-6.
Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 lbs. Yukon Golds, halved and cubed
• 1 cup diced green cabbage
• 1 cup finely chopped kale
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 3/4 -1 cup sweet onions, diced
• 1/2 cup warmed half and half
• 1-1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes or 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Cover potatoes with water and cook until fork tender about 15 minutes.
• In a fry pan melt 1 tablespoon butter and saute onions, cabbage and kale until limp but not too soggy, stirring frequently.
• Drain potatoes and return back to pan. Add sauteed mixture, half and half, cheese, parsley flakes and 1 tablespoon butter.
• Use a hand mixer and beat until smooth. May need to add more cream. Salt and pepper to taste.
  
  Pair a side of Colcannon with slices of Corned Beef and Irish Soda Bread.

An easy Irish Soda Bread recipe from Ever Ready

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2015/03/irish-soda-bread.html

A sweet ending note to the meal with Irish Coffee

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz. of Irish whiskey e.g. Jameson
• 5-7 oz. hot coffee or 2 shots of espresso
• 1-2 tsp. brown sugar
• Fresh whipped cream

Directions:

• Run hot water slowly over a glass mug until it’s at room temperature or hotter, and then dry it (pouring hot coffee into a cold glass could cause it to crack) or use a regular coffee mug.
• Add brown sugar to mug and pour in whiskey.
• Add coffee or espresso, leaving room at top for whipped cream.
• Stir until sugar is completely dissolved and set whipped cream on drink. Do not stir (drink stays warmer longer with the cream sitting on top).
• *To make cold Irish coffee chill the sweetened coffee before adding the whiskey