(ARA) – Every March 17th, people come together to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. For most, it’s just a time to party; but for the Irish, it is a national holiday where friends and families get together -- as they have for generations -- in the long Irish tradition of storytelling and blarney. They share stories about their husbands, wives and kids, and funny anecdotes from work, continuing to talk until they’re all talked out.
Though originally a religious holiday, March 17th has evolved into more of a secular celebration of Irish tradition; and in Ireland, food and drinks serve the purpose of warming the surroundings and making friends feel at home. For your main dish, serve Irish stew or Shepherd’s Pie; and to finish, try something festive: serve a drink with an Irish twist -- one that contains whiskey.
Shepherd's Pie
1 onion, diced
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 lb. frozen French style green beans or frozen corn
1 cup gravy
Salt and pepper to taste
5 potatoes, boiled and mashed with 1/4 cup butter and 1/4 cup milk
Cook onions with ground beef in frying pan or microwave until ground beef is cooked through. Drain off fat and place in greased 2 or 2-1/2 quart casserole dish. Mix in gravy and seasonings. Top with frozen green beans or corn. Add a layer of mashed potatoes. Drag a fork across the potatoes to texture the top. Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown. Serve with remaining gravy.
Irish Stew
1 pound lean lamb, cut into chunks
1 pound sliced carrots
1 pound onions, quartered
1 pound small whole potatoes
salt, pepper and thyme
Place the lamb with a pinch of thyme in a large stock pot or saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and simmer for an hour. Add salt and pepper, carrots, onions, and potatoes. Cook until vegetables are tender. Taste, and adjust seasoning. Serve alone or with brussel sprouts or cabbage.
The Irish have been drinking whiskey since the 12th century, when Monks are rumored to have brought it over from England. The first commercial whiskey distilleries were established in Ireland during the 18th Century, and to this day, Irish drinks and coffees remain one of the most popular ways to finish a festive holiday dinner.
This time of year, Bushmills Irish Cream, a uniquely balanced liqueur with a soft, velvety texture and subtle creamy sweetness, is especially popular. It contains fresh cream, sugar, cocoa and true, original whiskey from the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery.
Here are some recipes incorporating Bushmills Irish Cream that are sure to be a hit:
Mint Kiss
2 parts Bushmills Irish Cream
Splash of green crème de menthe
1 part cream or milk
Chocolate syrup Directions: Shake all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker and strain into a martini glass. Drizzle with chocolate syrup. It tastes like your favorite chocolate mint cookie!
And if you’re looking for a new, delicious twist on a traditional Irish coffee, try this recipe from Bushmills:
Irish Cream Cafe
1/2 ounce Bushmills Irish Cream
1/2 ounce coffee liqueur
1/2 ounce hazelnut liqueur
6 ounces coffee
Whipped cream and Cinnamon Directions: Pour ingredients into a tall coffee mug. Top with fresh hot coffee. Finish with whipped cream and cinnamon.
As your party continues into the night, keep in mind that people are sure to get lost in the celebration of good times together and storytelling; so getting your guests to leave is going to be tough. Keep a few sleeping bags handy: you may need them.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Shepherd's Pie
Irish Stew
The Irish have been drinking whiskey since the 12th century, when Monks are rumored to have brought it over from England. The first commercial whiskey distilleries were established in Ireland during the 18th Century, and to this day, Irish drinks and coffees remain one of the most popular ways to finish a festive holiday dinner. 
Mint Kiss
Irish Cream Cafe
As your party continues into the night, keep in mind that people are sure to get lost in the celebration of good times together and storytelling; so getting your guests to leave is going to be tough. Keep a few sleeping bags handy: you may need them. 
