Go Green with St. Patrick's Day Recipes

It's almost Valentines Day however; blink and March will be upon us. When March comes around our thoughts can turn to spring training and St. Patrick's Day; therefore, for one day everyone goes green by becoming Irish. People become Irish on St. Patrick's Day by wearing much green such as a green dress, shirt, hat, or an emerald ring. On the Other hand, some people become Irish by wearing just a wee bit of green such as a shamrock pin. Plus, people can show off their Irish spirit by cooking up some delicious St. Patrick's Day recipes such as an Irish food favorite corned beef and cabbage.

Corned Beef and Cabbage
One 3 pound uncooked corned beef brisket, in brine
16 cups cold water
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons black peppercorns
4 whole allspice berries
2 whole cloves
½ large head large cabbage (about 2 pounds), cut into 8 thick wedges
8 small new potatoes (about 11/4 pounds), halved
Freshly ground black pepper
Preheat the oven 300 degrees F.
Place the corned beef in a colander in the sink and rise well under cold running water.

Place the corned beef in a large Dutch oven with a tight fitting lid; add the water, bay leaves, peppercorns, allspice, and cloves. Bring to a boil, uncovered, and skim off any fat that that rises to the surface. Cover and transfer pan to the oven, and braise the corned beef until very tender, about 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Transfer the corned beef to a cutting board and cover tightly with foil to keep the corned beef warm. Add the cabbage and potatoes to the cooking liquid and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the corned beef to a large platter. Slice the corned beef across the grain of the meat into thin slices. Lay the slices over the cabbage and surround it with potatoes. Ladle some of the hot cooking liquid over the corned beef and season with pepper. Serve immediately.

Here's a cook's note that any good Irish cook will enjoy. Leftover corned beef makes great corned beef hash.