Born of a McDaniel and married to a McRae, naturally I am quite into celebrating St. Patrick's Day today! And it probably goes without saying that we began this day with some Irish Breakfast Tea from Twinings, with a little milk added. Today's teacup choice is this shamrock design teacup and saucer I found at a T.J. Maxx at the first of the year. Ideally, I'd really like to have teawares for every major holiday, so this is a good start.
You bakers know there are some classic treats to bake in honor of St. Patrick's Day. My Irish Soda Bread recipe, I must confess, needs work. I used the "Irish Food & Fun" recipe booklet from Taste of Home, since TOH recipes have never failed me, but this soda bread recipe ... well, the dough worked up beautifully last night. The directions said to bake the bread for 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees, and I did. I cut into it and found a gooey middle, so it went back in the oven for 5 more minutes. That didn't do the trick, so DH suggested I try 8 more minutes. Then 8 MORE minutes. In fact, it is probably still baking, no matter what time of day or night you happen to be reading this post...
Determined to bake SOMETHING for my co-workers to have in honor of the day, I made Irish Soda Bread Muffins while I listened to the Today Show this morning. And at my house tonight, we're having the crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage for supper, knock on wood, so at least I don't have to worry about, say, the inside of the cabbage not being done! And although I'm not Catholic, I'll leave you with this great Irish blessing once shared with me by a priest in Atlanta: "May those who love us, love us. And those who don't love us, may God turn their hearts. And if He doesn't turn their hearts, may He turn their ankles, so we'll know them by their limping." (My husband thinks I am a bit touched to like this particular blessing so much, but hey, I just think it's asking the Lord to help us be discerning in our relationships.)
The shamrock cup and saucer is lovely and Irish breakfast tea is such a good morning eye opener. My mom used to make us corned beef and cabbage when we were kids. I haven't had it in years. Have a happy St. Patrick's Day.
ReplyDeleteThanks for makin me giggle with the blessing ;^)!!!tammyp
ReplyDeleteAngela, I got so tickled reading your soda bread mishap that I decided "Anne of Green Gables" had nothing on you! Therefore I was inspired to hunt around and make soda bread today. We had it with Irish Breakfast tea and slathers of butter and plum jam. Probably not traditional, but good all the same. In searching I came across the site listed with the link below:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sodabread.us/
It's an interesting site with scads of info. Oddly, the contact person seems to have a 770 area code! I did not send a link to your blog without your permission, but I think they would LOVE your culinary tale!
Gwendol, that is a GREAT link! I printed out their opening page recipes and - duly chastised for even attempting "adulterated" soda bread in the first place - shall try the real deal tonight! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAnd ParTea Lady, I can only hope my corned beef and cabbage is as good as your mom's!
You've warmed my heart! I have lots of kitchen mishaps...so it's wonderful to know I'm not alone - tho I'm sure yours is just on occasion!
ReplyDeletegreat post! that twinings tea looks like an awesome compliment to that bread. did you know twinings has a tea blog? check it out, awesome information on there. Twinings Tea Blog
ReplyDeleteWhat I great find. I would not have been able to pass up those dishes either. I am somewhat addicted to tableware.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog.
Glenda