So you’re going to throw a St. Pat’s party. You have the Guinness (in the can as they travel and pour the best) and you have the Bushmills Whiskey (Black Bush for the sherry wood finish).
Now, what are you going to serve for food?
You will want to serve food that is Irish at heart, easy to make, and everyone will like. For me, that means a bit of seafood and a bit of land food. Oysters, mussels, salmon, and lamb (mutton for more flavour).
Galway Oysters
Simply put, these oysters taste of the air of the west of Ireland. Whenever I get to open these here in Toronto, I am reminded of the fresh ocean breezes on the Galway shores. All that and they taste great as well! They are easy to prepare – just shuck and serve. (Or get your local friendly oyster shucker to open them for you)
Smoked Salmon
Smoked Salmon is another easy to prepare party food that most everyone loves. Cold smoked salmon has a butteriness all of its own while the hot smoked salmon has more of a poached consistency. Served cold, this dish can be prepared ahead of time and presented just as the guests arrive.
Mussels and frites
Mussels are a great finger food and are easy to make as well. Steam you mussels in cider and butter with some chopped shallots and you are away to the races. The frites fulfill the vegetable requirement for you to move on to the dessert!
Mutton stew
For those who need a little land food, a good mutton stew – made a few days ahead to allow the flavours to develop, will do just nicely. The gamey flavor of the mutton, stewed with root vegetables in a light broth makes a perfect supper.
To finish off, bring out a selection of Irish farmhouse cheese, and brown bread.
Bring on the 17th!
Slainte, Paddy
Patrick McMurray is the owner of Starfish Oyster Bed & Grill and The Ceili Cottage. He is also a World Champion Oyster Shucker. Catch his blog weekly at PostCity.com.
