Gra, Dilseacht, Cairdeas

Hey kids, break out your “Kiss Me I’m Irish” button and that green shirt you-only-wear-once-a-year-because-green-makes-you-look washed-out. March 17th is almost here! Even though I am 0% Irish, I feel a deep connection to the culture, music, art and food of the Emerald Isle. St. Patrick’s Day is almost here, and if you’re looking for an alternative to the traditional corned beef and cabbage then I’ve got your recipe! It’s a tried and true favorite from Emeril Lagasse (yes, it contains his Essence, does he cook without it?). It’s a rich dish, so might want to keep it light on the side with a simple sautéed cabbage. Serve with Guinness, Smithwick’s or O’Hara’s Irish Red. As always, I’ve included a playlist of traditional Irish music, some of the finest music in the world.


BAKED CODFISH WITH IRISH CHEESE CRUST

• 4 (6-ounce) codfish fillets, skins removed

• Emeril’s Essence

• 1/2 cup fine bread crumbs

• 2 tablespoons melted Irish butter

• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

• 2 teaspoons Lakeshore Strong Irish Mustard or Colman's English mustard

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic, or spring onions

• 6 ounces Irish cheese such as Dubliner, Coolea, or Carrigaline, or Irish cheddar such as Kerrygold Vintage, grated

• 1 cup heavy Irish cream

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a casserole dish and set aside.

Lightly season the codfish on both sides with Essence and place in the prepared dish, skin side down.

In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs, butter, parsley, mustard, and garlic, and mix well. Add the cheese and mix well. Place on the fish, patting down to make a crust. Pour the cream over the fish and bake until the fish is cooked through, golden brown and the cheese is bubbly, 15 to 20 minutes.

Remove from the oven and serve. Serves 4.


St. Patrick’s Day Playlist


Shenandoah – Van Morrison & The Chieftains (one of the greatest musical pairings ever)

Lafferty’s/Crock of Gold/Lady Birr/Abbey Reel – Lunasa

The Samurai Set – Gaelic Storm

To the beggin’ I will go – Old Blind Dogs

Strathspey/Con McGingley’s – Altan

Carolan’s Favorite Jig – Cherish the Ladies

Nil Na La – Solas

Pastures of Plenty – Solas

Miss Casey Medley – The Cottars

Toss the Feathers – The Coors

Morning Nightcap – Lunasa

Irish Heartbeat – Van Morrison