Rí rá agus ruile buile!!

March 17th, Happy Saint Patrick's Day friends!!  It seems appropriate that I take the opportunity to delve into my recipes and pull out something with potatoes in it.  I tried to think of something green, but potatoes are just so yum. 

For six Paddy's Days in a row I worked in Kitty's, so feel a fairly strong personal affinity with the day.  There's something magical about it - unfettered fun, everyone having a few bevies and mingling in the bars and in the streets.  Kind of like a small-scale version of mardi gras in New Orleans, perhaps? 

Susan, a friend and ex-Kitty's lass like myself, was pleased to see a favourite from their menu gracing the blog.  So in honour of you Sus, and the day, here's another one...

Irish Stew, Kitty's Style

500 g lamb (I use whatever’s cheapest) (boned, fat removed)

2 parsnips

3 carrots

3 potatoes

2 kumara

2-3 onions, diced

2 cups water

2 cups stock (beef is good)

salt and pepper

1. Peel and cut into chunks all the root vegetables.
2. If there are bones in the lamb I prefer to remove them (I can’t be bothered with bones when I’m trying to eat something like a stew).  If that’s also your preference, cut the meat from the bone now.  Also remove excess fat. 
3. Layer meat and veges in a deep pot, seasoning with salt and pepper as you go.
4. Pour over the water and stock, cover with lid.
5. Simmer gently for 1 ½ hours on stovetop.

This is best served with hot, buttered toast, or fresh bread.  Will serve 6-8 people.  YUM!!

One more, seeing as it's a holiday post.  ;) 

Potato Pikelets

This is from the Old Library Café in Fairlie.  Ireland meets kiwi, the humble potato and the humble pikelet, in a gastronomic marriage that comforts even the weariest tastebud.  Perfect with something like bacon, or with the above stew... 

500 g potatoes, cooked and coarsely mashed

2 eggs, separated

150 g flour

1/4 tsp baking powder

salt and pepper

1. Mix everything together, except the egg whites.
2. Beat egg whites, fold into the mixture.
3. Fry in rounds, until cooked on both sides.