traditional northern irish pasty

When I was in Belfast I was addicted to these! Hot and yummy inside, light and flaky outside. To die for!

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained

1 cup breadcrumbs

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

2 tsp Worchestershire sauce
1/2 cup cold water
1 tsp corander 

1/2 tsp nutmeg

3 med sized potatoes, cooked, mashed and cooled

2 tbsp chopped parsley

1 medium size onion (diced and sauteed)

Fish batter of your choice

Directions:

1) Mix all of the above Irish pasty ingredients in large bowl

2) Form the pasty into approx 3-inch diameter patties

3) Dip into your favourite fish batter and cover all over

4) Deep fry in hot oil and remove when a golden brown. Serve immediately. Best when served with chips (fries) 

Bon appétit!

xo
Lucky

traditional irish potato farls

Yet another delicious traditional Irish food! The word farl originates from the Gaelic word fardel meaning four parts. These potato griddle breads can be made with leftover mashed potatoes too. Serve hot with a little butter and salt, or fry them alongside soda bread as part of an Ulster Fry-up. Traditionally, these are served with scrambled eggs, baked brown beans, a few sausage links or bacon with soda bread toast for breakfast or brunch. You'll be so full you won't eat for 2 days!

Ingredients:

4 medium potatoes, peeled and halved

1 pinch salt

1/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

1 tablespoon melted butter

Directions:

1) In a pot, cover potatoes with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Simmer on medium-high heat until the center of the potatoes are tender when pricked with a fork, about 20 minutes. Turn off heat. Drain, return potatoes to pot and allow to completely dry out over remaining heat. Mash with a potato masher until smooth

2) Place warm mashed potato in medium bowl. Stir in flour, salt and melted butter. Mix lightly until dough forms

3) On a well floured surface, knead the dough lightly. The dough will be sticky. Use a floured rolling pin to flatten into a 9 inch circle about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into quarters using a floured knife

4) Sprinkle a little flour into the base of the skillet and cook the farls for 3 minutes on each side or until evenly browned. Season with a little salt and serve straight away

Bon appétit!

xo
Lucky

traditional irish soda bread

Top 'o the mornin' to ya and Happy St. Patricks Day! Being half Irish, I'd like to share a little bit of my heritage with you! There are many traditional Irish foods, but nothing beats a delicious, warm buttermilk soda bread!

 Ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour

4 tablespoons white sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup margarine, softened

1 cup buttermilk

1 egg

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/4 cup buttermilk

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a large baking sheet

2) In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and margarine. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round and place on prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with 1/4 cup buttermilk; brush loaf with this mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut an 'X' into the top of the loaf

3) Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, about 30 to 50 minutes. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes

Bon appétit!

xo
Lucky