Marvin, Thank you very much. The whole time I ws writing this post I was thinking how envious I was of your direct connection from where your family came from. You are very lucky to be surrounded by that kind of knowledge and history.

And I actually just had corned beef and cabbage for the first time last weekend (not on St. Patty’s day). My mother-in-law made it for us (though no one in my wife’s family is irish) and it was delicious! We had it with mustard on the side, though I think I preferred it without.

Have never heard of Larry Mullen… Jr or Sr. But growing up SLF and the Undertones were very much a presence here. And for some reason, Christy Moore too.

Yes, the Scots-Irish are Loyalists, Orangemen. The English were good at causing trouble abroad and if they could find someone else to do it for them…! But now we have a wonderful new hope in Northern Ireland with the Loyalists and Sinn Fein working together. When Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley can work together you know there is hope. Now if they could just do that in Israel…

I am about as Irish as Pandikari, but I love the Irish stories, poems and music. Yeats is amazing, but Penguin Books once did (don’t know if they still do) a book called ‘A Celtic Miscellany’ and most of that was Irish poems and folktales – quite wonderful.

Griffin, Bono, maybe, but Larry? While my elementary compatriots were drooling over New Kids On The Block I was head over heels in love with one Larry Mullen Jr. (sigh), and the music of U2 has been a constant thread in my life ever since. You know, I’ve never had
Colcannon and until now wasn’t sure if it was Irish or Welsh! I figured either way it covered one side of my family!

Leslie, I’ve always considered you one of my people, so it’s okay with me.

And don’t forget Edna O’Brien and the fabulous short story writer, Frank O’Connor. Also, the Ulster Cycle of myths and the wonderful folktales too. Irish Literature is fabulous. Right up to Roddy Doyle, The Commitments, Paddy Clarke, Ha, ha, ha.

Also, don’t forget Colcannon which is a wonderful dish (and very filling)!

Lydia, thank you. I hope you enjoy my recipe!

Angela, I think that is why I love food so much, each dish is infused with so many different stories. It is a great way to get to know a past you never knew.

Leslie, Are you Irish at all? I remember getting offended on St. Patrick’s Day with everyone assuming you were the Irish one. I think Richard could manage, just let him do it in free form layers instead of getting the rings involved. It may not be as pretty, but it will be just as delicious! Happy Mother’s Day

This recipe sounds delicious. Do you think Richard could swing it for me for my first Mother’s Day..? I don’t think so either.

Erin Go Bragh!