I just received this St. Patty's Day card from my mom's best friend, and my angel on earth, LuAnnie. She took this photo of me on St. Patty's Day when I was in kindergarten!
When the other kids were wearing Minnie Mouse necklaces and sweat pants, I was dolled up in a full on, two-piece, matching outfit- with shoulder pads! If I was gonna go find that leprechaun and his pot of gold, you know I was gonna look good walking all that way to the end of the rainbow! Obvi! ;)
Ahhh, what a fun trip down memory lane!
...wait, does that girl standing next to me want my chocolate coins or my sweet two-piece suit?! Either way, she'd need the luck of the Irish to get either! ;)
Anyhow...back to the potato!
The expansion of potato cultivation in Ireland took place all the way back in the second half of the 16th century! And then heavily influenced the Irish cuisine thereafter.
Potatoes form the basis for many traditional Irish dishes, including today's dish, Colcannon.
Colcannon mainly consists of mashed potatoes with kale, cabbage, (or a similar green), butter, milk, salt and pepper.
I can't think of a better way to enjoy potatoes! Mashed - with kale - milk, butter & salt! YUM!
Colcannon
Original Recipe by www.SimplyRecipes.com
Adapted for www.CaringforGodsGifts.com
Serves 4
Ingredients:
4 russet potatoes, cut into large chunks
Salt
5-6 tablespoons unsalted butter (with more butter for serving)
3 lightly packed cups of chopped kale (rinsed and patted dry)
3 green onions (including the white and green of the green onion), minced
1 cup almond milk
Preparation:
Put the potatoes in a medium or large pot and cover with water by at least an inch. Add a good dash of salt, and bring to a boil. Boil until the potatoes are fork tender (20 to 25 minutes). Drain in colander.
Return the pot to the stove and set over medium-high heat. Melt the butter in the pot and once it's hot, add the chopped kale. Cook kale for 3-4 minutes, or until they are wilted. Add the green onions and cook 1 more minute.
Pour in the milk, mix well, and add the potatoes. Make sure pan is on a level surface, and using a potato masher or fork, mash the potatoes, mixing well with the kale. Add sea salt to taste and serve hot with a pat of butter in the center.
"May St. Patrick guard you wherever you go,
and guide you in whatever you do--
and may his loving protection be a blessing to you always."
Lindsey