Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

As a red-headed, (somewhat) Irish American (several generations removed), I love all that comes with this special occasion. The green garb, the beer, the luck and especially the food. If you’re looking for some Irish inspiration today, I am happy to share seven of my favorite Irish and Irish-inspired recipes to help you celebrate in true Irish fashion.

I would love to know what you make for St. Patrick’s Day and wish you all the Irish luck in the world. So, send a kiss to the blarney stone, clothe yourself in emerald garb, grab a pint of Guinness and Erin go bragh!

And – even while we’re celebrating all things Irish today, tomorrow we shift gears at SarahBakes and embrace the wonderful tradition of Zeppole Mania! There is still time to place your order for a box of 6 or 12 Zeppole di San Giuseppe to help you celebrate the feast of St. Joseph (March 19) in true Italian style!

Without further fuss, here are my seven favorite Irish dishes…

1. Pistachio Pudding Bundt Cake
Bundt cakes are my newest baking obsession, and the lovely green color and ultra-moist crumb of this
Pistachio Pudding Bundt Cake is a springtime winner.
Perfect for St. Patty’s Day and beyond, this made-from-scratch cake is a true winner.

2. Traditional Irish Boxty
It wouldn’t be St. Patty’s Day without a great potato dish,
and this recipe for Traditional Irish Boxty has become a year round staple in our home.
Top these potato pancakes with a dollop of sour cream and scallions
and you don’t need much else to start feeling lucky.

3. Poached Salmon with Leek Cream Sauce
Back in our days as restaurateurs, this Poached Salmon with Leek Cream Sauce was a fan favorite every March.
The salmon is gently poached to perfection, and the leek cream sauce provides a
tangy complement to the smooth flavor of the fish.
This is an elegant and easy dish to prepare.

4. Irish Soda Bread
Growing up, my mom made this Irish Soda Bread every year for St. Patrick’s Day.
This is a tried and true family recipe and it is best enjoyed with good Irish butter (salted is best) or your favorite jam.

5. Irish Cream Cheesecake
This Irish Cream Cheesecake gets its marvelous chocolate flavor from Irish cream liqueur
and a bounty of chocolate chips. Serve it with a vanilla sauce, a dollop of real whipped cream and
a jigger of Baileys and you’ll be feeling pretty lucky.

6. Irish Stout & Steak Hand Pies
My son, Giovanni, loves pies of any sort so several years ago I developed this recipe for
Irish Steak & Stout Hand Pies for our annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner.
To my surprise, my husband, Tony, enjoyed them even more than our son, who devoured three on the spot.

7. Irish Colcannon
Back in my days as a Cruise Director, I was lucky enough to visit a small, seaside village in Ireland for the afternoon. The name
of the village is long forgotten, but I will always remember the wonderful time spent in an Irish pub, drinking Guinness and
feasting on the local favorite – a delicious concoction of potatoes, bacon, cabbage, kale, scallions and carrots.
This is authentic Irish Colcannon.