St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated annually on March 17th, is a time to honor the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, and embrace Irish heritage with festivities, traditions, and delicious food. While many associate the holiday with parades and wearing green, the true essence of the Day lies in its deep-rooted traditions and the comfort of classic Irish cuisine. Whether hosting a festive dinner or creating fun traditions with little ones, this guide will provide everything you need for a memorable St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
A Brief History of St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day commemorates the life and work of St. Patrick, who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders as a teenager and enslaved in Ireland. After escaping and later becoming a Christian missionary, he returned to Ireland to spread the faith. One of the most famous legends associated with St. Patrick is that he used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity.
Originally a religious feast day, the holiday has evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture. In Ireland, it was traditionally observed with church services and feasting. However, in the U.S. and other countries, it has become synonymous with grand parades, lively music, and the wearing of green.
My Irish Heritage & Family Traditions
Being half-Irish myself, St. Patrick’s Day has always been a memorable holiday for me. Growing up, my mom always made the most delicious corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes. As an adult, I’ve kept this tradition that connects me to my heritage and reminds me of my childhood and special family gatherings.
Fun St. Patrick’s Day Traditions for Kids
If you have little ones at home, St. Patrick’s Day is a perfect opportunity to create whimsical traditions they’ll remember for years. Here are some fun and easy ideas:
- Green Toilet Water: Add a few drops of green food coloring to the toilet bowl so it looks like a mischievous leprechaun paid a visit.
- Leprechaun Footprints: Use green paint or washable markers to make tiny leprechaun footprints, leading to a surprise.
- Pot of Gold Treasure Hunt: Hide chocolate gold coins around the house and have a scavenger hunt.
- Leprechaun Trap: Let the kids build a creative trap the night before using household items. Even though the leprechaun always “escapes,” he might leave behind a little treat!
- Green-Themed Breakfast: Serve green pancakes, scrambled eggs, or a shamrock-shaped toast with avocado spread.
Now, let’s dive into the heart of any St. Patrick’s Day gathering—the food!
Related Read: COLORIFIC SALAD: A VIBRANT DISH FOR EVERY OCCASION
Classic Irish Recipes for a St. Patrick’s Day Feast
Starter: Irish Potato Leek Soup
A warm and creamy soup to start the meal off right.
Ingredients:
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 leeks, washed and chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add leeks and sauté until soft.
- Add potatoes and broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until potatoes are tender (about 20 minutes).
- Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.
Main Course: Traditional Irish Corned Beef and Cabbage
This beloved dish is a staple for St. Patrick’s Day in the U.S.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb corned beef brisket with seasoning packet
- 1 head of cabbage, cut into wedges
- 6 small potatoes, halved
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 onion, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions:
- Place corned beef, water, seasoning packet, garlic, onion, and bay leaves in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
- Add potatoes and carrots, cooking for 30 minutes.
- Add cabbage and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Remove the beef and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with vegetables and broth.
Side Dish: Irish Soda Bread
A simple yet delicious traditional Irish bread.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg (optional)
- 5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
- Stir in the raisins or currants.
- Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the buttermilk and the whisked egg if using. Stir gently with a fork until a soft dough forms—avoid overmixing.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it just a few times until it comes together. Shape it into a round, 6-7 inch disc.
- Place the dough on a baking sheet or in a cast iron skillet. Using a sharp knife, score an “X” about 1 inch deep on the top of the dough.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Lightly tent with foil if crust becomes too dark.
- Let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm with butter, honey, or jam!
Related Read: Everything You Need to Know About the Claddagh Ring
Dessert: Classic Irish Apple Cake
A rustic and comforting dessert to end the meal.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons (140g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup (67g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped
- Confectioner’s sugar, for dusting (optional)
Streusel Topping: Optional, but even more delicious.
- ¼ cup (37g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ tablespoons (21.3g) cold butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside. - Cream Butter & Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and both sugars together until light and fluffy. - Incorporate Wet & Dry Ingredients:
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined (avoid overmixing). - Assemble the Cake:
Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared pan. Arrange the chopped apples evenly over the batter, lightly pressing them in. - Prepare Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix with your hands or a pastry cutter until the mixture forms large crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the apples. - Bake:
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (be careful not to mistake apple moisture for underbaking). - Cool & Serve:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. If desired, dust with confectioner’s sugar just before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Irish Apple Cake! 🍏✨
Festive Drink: Irish Coffee
A perfect after-dinner drink with a bit of warmth.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
- Heavy cream, lightly whipped
Instructions:
- Pour hot coffee into a mug and stir in brown sugar until dissolved.
- Add Irish whiskey and stir.
- Gently float the whipped cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
Kelly’s Thoughts
St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate Irish culture and heritage and the joy of gathering with loved ones. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty corned beef dinner, setting up a leprechaun trap with the kids, or simply toasting to family and friends with a cup of Irish coffee, these traditions and recipes will ensure a festive and memorable holiday.
May the luck of the Irish be with you this St. Patrick’s Day! Sláinte!
XO,
Kelly
Pin it for later
Leave a Reply