If you’re looking for the proverbial “pot of gold” this St. Patrick’s Day, one place to start is in traditional Irish recipes—and corned beef and cabbage takes the crown. If you’ve never tried learning how to cook a corned beef recipe for yourself, you might be surprised that the “corn” in the name doesn’t refer to an ingredient...the term comes from the large grains of rock salt that were historically used to preserve the beef that is the basis of the dish, known as “corns”.
Today, though, you don’t need to undertake the effort of the corning process with pre-packaged corned beef readily available at most supermarkets. (You’ll notice the distinctive pinkish-red tint which comes from a brine solution of water, salt and spices that create the commercial version.) If you want to go old school, you can seek out a specialty butcher shop that will offer an artisanal version, but most cooks aiming to serve St. Patrick’s Day food can enjoy the convenience of pre-cooked corned beef that just needs to be warmed or simmered.
Keep reading for a corned beef and cabbage recipe that is sure to become a favourite, along with other traditional Irish dishes your friends and family will treasure — just like that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE
This delicious one-pot meal is likely to be your go-to as a St. Patrick’s Day tradition, but really it’s good any time of the year. The tangy surprise of Club House Pickling Spice enhances the flavour of the meat while an irresistible combination of Parsley Flakes and melted butter brings the fork-tender vegetables to life.
SLOW COOKER CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE
Traditional corned beef recipe—but make it a slow cooker variety. No blarney here … we’ve got you covered with this recipe that’s pure gold. Get it started in the morning, then just add the cabbage when you get home from work. Your guests will think you laboured all day, but this culinary masterpiece will be ready faster than a disappearing leprechaun.
SHEPHERD’S PIE
Looking for an Irish-inspired alternative to corned beef and cabbage? Try this one-pot shepherd’s pie that’s easy to put together using Club House Brown Gravy Mix. It comes together so quickly that you can invite the whole neighbourhood over for a last-minute feast.
IRISH SODA BREAD SCONES WITH HONEY AND NUTMEG
Here’s a creative twist on a tea-ready treat that aligns with the day’s fun. These Irish soda bread scones are luscious served with butter and jam or honey butter, or can stand alone thanks to the sweet combination of Ground Nutmeg and honey, dotted with plenty of tart currants.
IRISH SPUDS AND DIP
While hitting a pub is a customary way to celebrate the holiday, it can be just as celebratory (and less of a hassle) to bring bar-inspired recipes to your own home. Might we suggest this festive appetizer of crispy roasted potatoes served with a shamrock-coloured dip? It’s easy to whip up when you combine bottled ranch dressing with a few drops of Green Food Colouring. Add other dippers, like green peppers or celery sticks, to reflect the hue of the day.
CARAWAY STOUT COCKTAIL
This St. Patrick’s Day beverage will fit right in with your themed celebration, a classic blend of Irish whiskey and Guinness Extra Stout, mixed with a simple syrup that has notes of licorice, with the addition of coarsely crushed Caraway Seed. Serve it in a clear glass Irish mug for a leprechaun-approved touch.
IRISH CREAM SWIRL BROWNIES
Keep the party going with these (slightly) boozy brownies that will have you dancing a jig. The marbled look of this delectable dessert feels sophisticated but doesn’t require a great deal of time or skill. Here, boxed brownie mix gets an instant upgrade via a swirly topping that stays true to the Irish theme with its emerald hue, courtesy of a few drops of Green Food Colouring. Serve with a scoop of vanilla or a dollop of whipped cream.
LUCK O' THE IRISH CAKE POPS
Looking to catch a leprechaun? Lure them in with these decadent cake pops that no one can resist—from tiny characters on up to adults. The secret is starting with a boxed cake mix, doctored up with Green Food Colouring that makes it effortless to prepare this culinary treat. Embellish your pint-sized bites with an assortment of sprinkles, edible glitter and other decorations to make them photo-ready.
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