St Patrick's Day Erin Go Bragh

St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, one of the most widely known figures in Christianity, and the most celebrated religious figure in the world. However many of the stories associated with St. Patrick's life remains somewhat of a mystery, And true to history most of his story has been exagerated through hundreds of years of storytelling.

Even though most information about St. Patrick has been twisted, embellished, or made up over centuries by storytellers. Some elements of his story are accepted to be true.

He is believed to have lived "between 432-461 A.D. Kidnapped by a band pirates, at the age of sixteen, and sold into slavery in Ireland. After six years of slavery he escaped and fled home to Britain.

Patrick decided to become a priest while back in his homeland because he believed the voices of the Irish people were calling him to convert them to Christianity. After several years of studying and preparing, Patrick traveled back to Ireland as a Christian missionary. He was able to shift many to Christianity by converting people of power.

However, his desire to spread of Christianity was met with mighty opposition from the local pagan priesthood, the druids. He was eventually able to establish hundreds of monasteries and churches.

Patrick's is believe he died in the 5th century on March 17, which is the day St. Patrick's Day is commemorated each year.

Most clovers are often found with three leaves, but there is said that four-leaf clovers do exist although rare. Some believed that finding one will bestow one the luck of the Irish. But the four-leaf clover represents something different: hope, faith, love, and happiness.

The mythical leprechaun described as being a little old man somewhat aloof and unfriendly. Live alone and pass the time by mending the shoes of Irish fairies. The legend is that the fairies pay the leprechauns for their work with golden coins, which the "little people" collect in large pots--the famous "pots of gold" .

Green is the color of spring, the shamrock, and is connected with hope and nature. Green because of Ireland often called the "Emerald Isle" due to the lush natural greenery found on the island.

1-4½ pound corned beef brisket
4 allspice berries
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 onion, quartered 1 bulb garlic, cut crosswise so each clove is cut in half
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 whole clove, optional
1 medium head cabbage, cut into eighths
1½ pounds small (about 1-inch diameter) red potatoes

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse corned beef under running water. Place in large pot. Add allspice, bay leaves, mustard seeds, onion, peppercorns, and clove. Add enough water to cover.

2. Bring to a boil, skim any scum if needed. Reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook about 4 hours, or until fork-tender. Remove and keep warm.

3. Strain out spices and vegetables from cooking water. Add cabbage and potatoes. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook 30 minutes until fork tender.

1 shot Irish Whiskey
1 tbsp Sugar
6 oz. Coffee
Whipped Cream for garnish

Pre-warm a stemmed glass. Add the whiskey.
Add the sugar and stir in the coffee.
Float the whipped cream on top.
Drink the coffee through the cream.
Do not stir after adding the cream.

For all those who were wondering what to say on March 17th, when they raise their glasses, here are a few phrases to remember:
May God bring good health to your enemies enemies

May you live to be a hundred years, with one extra year to repent.

May you be in heaven one half hour before the devil knows you're dead.

As you slide down the banisters of life may the splinters never point the wrong way.

May the sons of your daughters smile up in your face.

May you never forget what is worth remembering,
Or remember what is best forgotten.

May your fire be as warm as the weather is cold.