by Ashley Mills

I’m a tiny bit Irish. It isn’t enough to lay any claim to the country and I am far too removed to have any long lost Irish cousins. But I do greatly enjoy Irish food, music, and culture. The following is a collection of recipes either straight from Ireland or inspired by the Irish. I will absolutely be munching on some of these this week, in celebration of St. Paddy’s Day (note, it is Paddy, not Patty). Hopefully you enjoy them as well!

Irish Soda Bread

It may seem odd if you’re used to sweet bread, but traditional Irish soda bread doesn’t contain any sugar. You can feel good about eating this bread, even if you slather it with butter.

Corned Beef and Cabbage

In Ireland, this dish is actually bacon and cabbage and it is eaten more often than on St. Patrick’s Day. However, Irish immigrants to the United States in the mid-19^th century opted for the significantly more cost-effective corned beef. And that is how this St. Patrick’s Day staple was born. A more traditional meal for St. Patrick’s Day is colcannon, which is a potato-based dish.

Chocolate Whiskey and Beer Cupcakes

In Ireland, the phrase “car bomb” refers to the preferred weapon of the Irish Republican Army (“IRA”) in the fight against Northern Ireland. As such, the name of the drink is insensitive, and it’s probably wise for those of us in the US to come up with something different. If you absolutely must consume Guinness, Jameson, and Bailey’s Irish Crème at the same time, I recommend doing so in the form of these cupcakes. They are definitely the best thing to come out of the phrase “Irish Car Bomb.” But just don’t call them that.

Donegal Oatmeal Cream

If the controversial name is too much for you to stomach, try this recipe, straight from Ireland! Other popular Irish desserts include chocolate potato cake, baked merengue pie, custard, and buttery shortbread. Sláinte!