Recipes from Ireland

Author Joanne Asala gathered recipes from dishes served at hotels, bed and breakfasts, and restaurants in Ireland for this book. Others are dishes she sampled in the homes of Irish Americans. The dishes are simple and tasty, Asala says, and reflect "the quality of their ingredients—fresh meat and seafood, rich milk and cream, fruit, vegetables, and wonderful wholesome bread." Irish whiskey is a favorite ingredient, used in drinks such as traditional Irish coffee and milk punch, and in other recipes, including one for Christmas cookies. Oatmeal is another favorite, appearing in recipes for beverages, leek and oatmeal soup, and almond pudding. Naturally, a collection of Irish recipes must include recipes for potatoes, the diet of about 8 million peasants during the Great Famine of 1845-1849. You’ll find recipes for potato pancakes, potato casseroles, and even a chocolate-potato layer cake.