Thursday, March 10, 2011

Memorable Irish Meals

On occasion, I still do some freelance writing for my hometown newspaper, The Nashua Telegraph. I recently wrapped up an article for their upcoming St. Patrick's Day issue regarding local people who make or cherish traditional Irish recipes - that have their own, unique twist to them.

Writing this story and speaking with several different people in the area really made me think about my own upbringing in an Irish/English/Scottish household. Every Sunday, my mother would make a big meal - that would provide plenty of leftovers throughout the week - and nine times out of 10, this Sunday dinner was chocked full of Irish fare.

This morning, I'd like to take a little walk down memory lane to give you some insight into my family's Irish dinners/recipes growing up.

Shepherd's Pie: My mother made Shepherd's Pie a lot. I still crave that comforting flavor of warm mashed potatoes, although now I'm looking for the perfect vegetarian-friendly version. My mom's version was very budget-friendly. Her Shepherd's Pie was made with instant mashed potatoes, cream-style corn and scrambled beef with jarred tomato sauce. Growing up, it was delicious.

www.blakesallnatural.com

Pot Roast with Boiled Potatoes and Cabbage: A Sunday dinner staple in my house growing up. I remember the house always smelt so amazing on Sundays. 

cpaprotectplus.com

Irish Coffee: Every Thanksgiving - once I got older, and to this day - we have our own version of "Irish coffee." Our Irish coffee is made with Amaretto instead of whiskey. And it's delicious (and, when my mother makes it, very strong).

www.dreamstime.com

What are some childhood food memories you cherish?

7 comments:

  1. My sister and I always picked noodle pudding, or kugel - my family just calls it pudding, for our birthday dinners at home. It's one of my favorite dishes and we only eat it a few times at year at holidays. Now, we always go out to restaurants for our birthday dinners.
    Also, my mom used to make me pancakes every Sunday morning!

    ReplyDelete
  2. My mom, sister and I would always make Korean dumplings (mandu) together before New Years or big parties. I loved sitting around the kitchen and making these delightful treats!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've been brainstorming ideas for a St. Patrick's Day potluck and I think I'm going to have to go with Sheperd's Pie.

    I actually just wrote a post on my blog about some of my favorite food memories, and how my mom makes little orange marmalade and cheddar cheese sandwiches :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. My mom always made us corned beef and cabbage with potatoes and carrots for St. Patrick's Day. I try to make it myself now that I'm not usually home for the holiday, but mine never comes out as good as hers.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I didn't know you were from Nashua! One of my best friends grew up there as well! As for childhood memories, my mom, my little sister and I always used to bake congo bars and banana bread together. We loved smushing things into the Cuisinart!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Molly, yes! I actually grew up in Merrimack, but - it's basically Nashua! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I’m no good with cooking but I guess my first veggie salad was excellent. Now, I’m doing some Irish menus to prepare.

    suffolk county catering halls

    ReplyDelete