Hello. St. Patrick’s Day is just a couple of weeks away. For those of you who may have some Irish ties, and for those that don’t but still like to eat, I have a couple of recipes to share with you. Have fun and enjoy the holiday.
Corned Beef and Cabbage
3 pounds corned beef brisket with spice packet
3 large potatoes, quartered
5 carrots, peeled and quartered
1 large head cabbage, cut into wedges
Place corned beef in large pot or Dutch oven and cover with water. Add the spice packet that came with the corned beef. Cover pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer approximately 50 minutes per pound or until tender.
Add potatoes and carrots, and cook until the vegetables are almost tender. Add cabbage and cook for 15 more minutes.
Remove meat and let rest 15 minutes. Place vegetables in a bowl and cover. Add as much broth (cooking liquid reserved in the Dutch oven or large pot) as you want. Slice meat across the grain. You can serve this with your favorite bread.
I’m sharing a recipe for Irish Soda Bread.
Irish Soda Bread
4 cups all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup margarine, softened
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup buttermilk
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and margarine. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round and place on prepared baking sheet.
In a small bowl, combine melted butter with 1/4 cup buttermilk; brush loaf with this mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut an “X” into the top of the loaf.
Bake in preheated oven for 30-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes.
Easter is around the corner. Do you have any recipes for a quick, tasty breakfast? Many of us have such a hectic morning, doing the Easter Bunny thing and getting ready for Easter services, that a nice coffee cake or breakfast casserole would be most welcome. I’m looking forward to hearing from you with any suggestions or recipes you like. I can be reached at susieqcooking@hotmail.com or c/o Pioneer Times, PO Box 456, Houlton, Maine 04730
See you next week!
