St. Patrick’s Day is one holiday that can be observed with less stress and more fun! There are no gifts to buy and no extreme decorating to do. On this lucky day, we can celebrate simply, create a few comfort foods, and enjoy! Although shamrocks, leprechauns, and everything green will likely pop up, in reality, Saint Patrick’s is the day when the world celebrates the patron saint of Ireland along with Irish culture. To help you with your own festivities, here are five traditional recipes that will add a full course meal and Irish touch to your table!

Irish Coffee

Before the road rises up to meet you, wake up and begin your day with a coffee twist that is Irish-inspired! 

Ingredients

8 oz. strong black coffee
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
2 oz. Irish whiskey (If you have to drive, sub for a non-alcoholic version) 
1 oz. heavy cream
Whipped cream, for topping  
Cinnamon

Instructions

-Fill two mugs with black coffee.
-Add the sugars and stir well until dissolved. 
-Add the whiskey and heavy cream and stir again. 
-Top with whipped cream and cinnamon for garnish.

Irish Stew with Corned Beef

With Irish Stew being unmistakably the national dish of Ireland and corned beef of Irish-American culture, Bringing the two together will be a crowd-pleaser whatever your origin!

Ingredients

1 2-3 pound package of corned beef, cut into chunks
1 teaspoon back pepper
1/4 cup flour
3 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tablespoon fresh thyme
1 14.9-ounce can of Guinness stout beer
1 6-ounce can of tomato paste
4-5 Yukon gold potatoes, cut into chunks
3-4 large carrots, peeled and cubed
3 cups beef broth

Instructions

-Place beef in a medium bowl and sprinkle it with pepper. 
-Add flour and mix until beef pieces are coated.
-In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat two tablespoons of olive oil.
-Add the beef in batches and brown on both sides. 
-Place the cooked beef on a plate and set it aside.
-Heat another tablespoon of olive oil in the same pot and cook the onions for about 3-4 minutes. 
-Add the garlic and thyme into the onions and cook for another 2 minutes, until garlic is fragrant.
-Add the can of Guinness to the garlic, onions, and spices.
-Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. 
-While the Guinness is simmering, scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
-Stir in tomato paste and beef stock and bring to a boil.
-Reduce to a simmer and add the potatoes, carrots, beef, and beef broth. 
-Cook uncovered for 2 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes.
-Cover the stew and cook for another hour.
-Stir in salt and pepper to taste.

Colcannon

Though this delicious comfort food is associated with Saint Patrick’s Day in America, colcannon is served in Ireland on Halloween nights. The cook hides little trinkets in the dish, each representing the finder’s future! With that tradition, eat with caution!

Ingredients

8 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and halved.
8 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup milk or light cream
1 small green cabbage, cored and sliced thin
1 -2 cups of kale, leaves only, and sliced thin
6-8 scallions finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

-Bring a large pot of water to a boil. 
-Add potatoes and one teaspoon of salt.
-Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender.
-Drain in a colander then return to the pot.
-Mash potatoes, add milk,6 tablespoons of butter, salt, and pepper.
-Beat with a hand mixer until the potatoes are smooth.
-Set aside and keep warm while preparing the cabbage.
-Add the sliced kale and cabbage to a pot of boiling, salted water.
-Cook for 3-4 minutes or until soft. 
-Drain well. 
-Mix the potato and cabbage together and stir in the scallions.
-Spoon potatoes into a serving bowl and make a well in the center. 
-Add the remaining butter and garnish with a few pieces of chopped scallion.

Irish Soda Bread

Now a symbol of celebration, Irish soda bread began as a humble necessity to many food problems in Ireland. 

Ingredients

4 cups of all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups buttermilk (You may need an additional 1 to 4 tablespoons)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Instructions

-Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
-In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. 
-Form a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in 1 3/4 cup of buttermilk.
-Stir in buttermilk with a fork or spoon to create a sticky dough. If the dough is too dry, add additional buttermilk 1 tablespoon at a time.
-When the dough comes together, turn onto a floured surface and knead lightly three or four times.
-Form and shape into a round ball, slightly flattening the tops.
-With a sharp knife, cut a deep cross into the top of the loaf.
-Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
-Brush with melted butter.
-Place in oven. After 25 or 30 minutes, tent with aluminum foil if it is getting too brown.
-Bread is ready when the center X looks baked through, a toothpick comes out clean, or when it sounds hollow when the bottom is tapped.

Easy Key Lime Pie

Although not technically Irish, with some added natural food coloring, it will definitely add a pop of green for a perfect dessert!

Ingredients

1 store-bought graham cracker crust
2 bars (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Natural food coloring if more green is desired

Instructions

-In a bowl, with a hand mixer, beat cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
-Add the lime juice, powdered sugar, and coloring, blending until combined.
-Pour mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top.
-Cover with the enclosed plastic lid and refrigerate overnight.
-Garnish with lime slices and whipped cream if desired. 

May every bite bring you joy and good luck! Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!