Slainte! Likely, you'll be raising many glasses of beer in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. But have you ever had beer in a milkshake? Trust me, it's fabulous.

This recipe combines vanilla ice cream (white) with rich chocolate stout (black) in a frothy, fizzy, heavenly concoction. Add whipped cream, a pretzel rod, and a maraschino cherry for garnish and you've got the perfect St. Patty's Day drink.

Read More

Blech.

Dear Corned Beef and Cabbage,

You are killing me. Get out of my life and my St. Patrick's Day recipe book already. I get that this is the one week a year people actually talk about you, but it's getting out of control. Everywhere I go, there you are lurking around the next corner with your sogginess and saltiness, just forcing yourself down my throat, thankfully figuratively, and not literally (barf).

You're on restaurant signs on their doors, you're on bar menus, and don't get me started on your takeover of the Internet. Honestly, enough is enough. I can't wait for March 18 for when you officially disappear again for 350 days.

Read More

There's nothing more traditional than corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick's Day, right? Well ... sort of ...

In actuality, the dish was popular in Ireland a long time ago. Now? Not so much. Later, Irish immigrants -- who were trying to save a quick buck -- brought it to the United States. Otherwise known as "bacon and cabbage" in their native land, the immigrants swapped corned beef for bacon (because it was cheaper) and, well, the rest is history!

Make this easy recipe at home today and it will be ready just in time for Thursday's celebration of all things Irish. My suggestion? Pair it with a nice pint of Guinness, and you have a perfect St. Patty's Day meal fit for a leprechaun king!

Read More

Guinness Milk Chocolate Ice CreamAnyone else out there catch the recent one-hour Food Network special called Bobby's Ireland? Celebrity chef Bobby Flay leads viewers on a "gastronomic journey" through Ireland, and I have to say it might be the first time I found myself craving the flavors of Ireland, a country's food that has never really tickled my fancy, even having traveled there in my 20s. However, Bobby's tour actually made my mouth water.

Catch the show if you can for gorgeous scenery, amazing local Irish food that goes way beyond potatoes, and -- the sweets teaser -- Guinness ice cream. Sounds like a perfect St. Patrick's Day addition to me!

Read More

Corned beef and cabbage often gets a bad rap. That's probably because most of us only come into contact with it once a year on St. Patrick's Day, and even then it's usually some sort of sad, sub-par version chased with a plastic cup of green beer. No wonder so many Americans hate it. And, it's so rarely eaten in Ireland these days that some people have even dared to ask the most sacrilegious of questions: Is it even Irish?

Well, here's some news you can use, my friends: Corned beef and cabbage may not get a lot of love, but it is most definitely Irish. And I'm going to let you in on a little secret -- it's about to make a comeback.

Read More

When it comes to holiday eating, St. Patrick's Day usually comes with my least favorite fare. My Irish ancestors would probably disown me for saying this, but I hate corned beef and cabbage. I don't like either one that much alone, and together, they're even worse.

So over the years, I've sought out other Irish recipes so I can still show my Irish pride and honor the cuisine of the country, but not have to  choke down the corned beef and cabbage. Here are some other great Irish recipes to consider serving instead:

Read More

Irish Soda Bread sometimes gets a bad rap for being dense and heavy, but if you make it correctly, it can be hearty, rustic, and wonderfully delicious. Plus, it just would be St. Patrick's Day without this traditional food. This version has whiskey-soaked raisins for an added bonus.

Read More

Had your fill (and some) of St. Patty's Day beer? If hair of the dog isn't your style (gag), use your leftover tradish Irish beer for a tasty dessert. These crave-worthy cupcakes incorporate thick, chocolately Guinness and are the perfect mid-morning, noon, and night snack.

Read More