Classic Irish Recipes

Ireland is a land of comfort food. Every time I've been to Ireland I've been thrilled with the fresh meats, the fresh vegetables, the delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner you find around every corner. I still think back to the guinness lamb pie I had in central Ireland and wish I could have that every week. Georgina Campbell does a wonderful job not only of providing the traditional recipes for you to enjoy at home, but also in giving you the background information to help you appreciate more the history of these meals. For example, most people might think of a soup as just a "watery meal" with no real social connotation. However, in Ireland, there were riots over soup kitchens, because the locals felt they were being killed off with nutritionless offerings. Also, soup was used to lure in poor people to get them to convert religions. Other food items are part of the national lore of Ireland. Boxty bread, made with potato, is apparently a romantic charm for women. One saying goes: Boxty on the griddle, boxty on the pan, If you don't eat boxty, you'll never get a man! I have my mouth water just reading through this book, never mind making the dishes. If there's a complaint, it's that it's rather short, and that it is a normal "paperback book". That makes it very hard to actually use while cooking. I suggest xeroxing out the recipe you're interested in making and using that flat piece of paper for reference while you make the recipe. That way you can also add in your own notes, and make the recipe your own! Highly recommended.

I bought this book so I could cook the same foods my Irish-born husband grew up with. It has come through time and again. He swears the Brown Bread I make is exactly like his Mum's but I got it straight out of this book! There's a little bit of everything; from simple sauces to soups, vegetables, main dishes, breads and desserts and more complex recipes (like traditional Christmas cake that takes a couple of days to make!). My one "complaint" would be that this smallish book likes to close by itself especially when I've got my hands in the flour so remember to weight it open beforehand.However, I give 5 stars because you get a bunch of really great recipes for a reasonable price. So worth it!

I love this book! The price is right and the recipes are delicious. Marlene Ekman has illustrated a number of books for Sterling, and her illustrations are always charming. If you are looking for a special St. Pat's recipe, you'll find it here! Easy-to-follow directions for even the most inexperienced cook. There's something for everyone! I highly recommend it! For those with a little more money to spend, try Celtic Folklore Cooking (great folklore/history background); Irish Heritage Cookbook; and Irish Traditional Cooking.