We love green beer and pub grub as much as the next fella, but we believe there are tastier and less-expensive ways to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland and all things Irish. And we’ve got the ingredients, recipes and tips you’ll need.
Go casual with an easy buffet
Hosting a quick nibble and tipple before heading out for some Irish fun on the town? Go light and casual, and let your guests help themselves. Lay out a welcoming spread of traditional Irish flavours: soda bread and oatcakes, a selection of cheeses and smoked salmon. Add a jug of rich, warming Caramelized Leek & Potato Soup with a stack of mugs, and some crispy bacon bits and grated Irish cheddar for garnishing.
Cook up a hearty dinner
For a feast authentic enough to impress the likes of any O’Leary, O’Reilly or Murphy, we’ve got you covered. The Emerald Isle’s traditional foods—potatoes, bacon, cheese, lamb, sausage, smoked fish, cabbage, corned beef—are simple to prepare, easy on the budget and, best of all, delicious. Cook up a batch of our hearty Classic Beef Braise. For a richer flavour, try swapping the beef for lamb, and the red wine for stout beer.
Another stick-to-their-ribs choice: Our wholesome Big Batch Shepherd’s Pie is super easy to prep and serves 12 hungry revellers. Or for an easy-on-the-diet option, whip up Potato Chip-Crusted Haddock—a fresh change of pace with fewer than 200 calories per serving. For a better-for-you side than fries, sautée thinly sliced cabbage and onions in a little butter until soft.
Impress with an Irish finale
You can’t head out to the pub without dessert! Wow family or guests with our fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth Irish Cream Soufflé. With just six ingredients, the prep couldn’t be faster (just 10 minutes). Even easier: Scoop out some rich and creamy Vanilla icecream with Panache, drizzle with Irish cream liqueur, add a swirl of real whipped cream and top with a green maraschino cherry—instant festive flavour!
Kick the céilí into high gear with classic Irish coffees. Start with freshly brewed coffee or espresso, then add a spoonful of brown sugar, a shot of Irish whisky (or just a drop to taste, if you prefer) and a dash of 35% whipping cream.
Create a simple green-inspired brunch
Throwing a St. Paddy’s Day brunch? Start with a batch of our Greens, Blueberry & Fruit Smoothie. This tangy-yet-smooth concoction is impressively green and provides 90% of your recommended daily dose of vitamin C. Follow up with our ode to Green Eggs and Ham: Classic Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise Sauce. Turn the Hollandaise green by adding some finely puréed cooked greens (see “How to go green,” below). Provide a heaping basket of sweet-and-savoury Honey, Parmesan & Rosemary Scones (rename them Blarney Scones!) or a selection of buttery, fruit-filled European Danishes from our bakery.
Dress up the table with a green floral arrangement or handmade paper shamrocks for a touch of that ol’ leprechaun luck. Then crank up a playlist of traditional Irish tunes, and raise a glass to St. Patrick. Sláinte!
How to go green
Skip the green food colouring and use matcha (green tea powder), kale, spinach, arugula or peas to turn white foods green. Simply cook the green vegetable, then purée to a paste. Add the purée or matcha to mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, polenta, batters, doughs and other pale foods for a hint o’ emerald.
