Her Irish Eyes Were Smiling

irishMy grandmother was born and grew up in Ireland. Every year around St. Patrick’s Day, there’s something I like to do to remember “Nana”, and also to help get into the spirit of the holiday!

“Make paper garlands of shamrocks?” (You ask.)

No . . . ( I answer.)

“Go to a St Patrick’s Day parade?” (You guess.)

Nope! ( I smile.)

“C’mon Crystal – just say it!” (You sigh. 😉 )

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Well . . . although I also do this at other times of the year, I especially like to do it for St Patrick’s Day.

First, I gather my supplies.

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After mixing, kneading, and baking, I have this.

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If you have never tasted homemade Irish Bread, you must try it sometime! I do mean homemade though, because the stuff they sell in stores is nothing like real Irish Bread!

Labeling the store version as “Irish Bread” is like comparing a loaf of generic, air-filled, white sandwich bread in a plastic bag to a mouth-watering, home-baked, crusty, loaf of yeast bread.

Here – let me give you some to try, along with a little butter and nice hot cup of tea!

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Whenever my grandmother prepared this snack for me, her Irish eyes were smiling. If you are not familiar with it, think of a combination of cake and bread – sweet but with a heavier texture than cake would have, and liberally sprinkled with regular raisins, golden raisins, and caraway seeds. A recipe can be found here.

A wish for you on this St. Patrick’s Day . . .

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May your mornings bring joy,

and your evenings bring peace . . .

May your troubles grow less

as your blessings increase!

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Comments

Her Irish Eyes Were Smiling — 14 Comments

  1. Wow, I like easy and the recipe sure looks easy and the pic with a cup is inviting. I’m going to try it?

    You have a nice recipe collection gathered. Found some good ideas for a pleasantly different supper. My grandkids have favorite meals I make, but I like to throw in something new every now and then. I need quick and cheap….if you don’t have it ready fast enough they are either whining or finding something to munch on. But, munching doesn’t keep them from eating supper because man do they eat!

  2. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! And can you say, y-u-m-m-y??? We’re Irish too. My grandfather’s name is “McMahan”…I don’t think you can get anymore Irish than that?? Haha!

  3. Oh, how I wished I could be there to share it with you. It looks just wonderful. I LOVE homemade Irish bread. Yum! Also, the china is just gorgeous. Beautiful presentation. Your Nana would be proud.

    A truly perfect St. Patrick’s Day memory. Check out blog for my St. Patrick’s Day memory and add your own.

    http://cominghome-shelley.blogspot.com/

    And again–Congrats on reaching 100 posts!!

  4. I made it! (finally) This bread is so good! I am ashamed to admit how much of it I’ve eaten already. Thanks again for the recipe!:-)

  5. There is nothing like Irish bread on St Patrick’s Day or any day. I make two loaves at a time all year long. I slice them into individual size servings and freeze them. Most mornings I zap a piece and have it with my coffee. It is soft and moist and fresh as the day I made it!

  6. What a beautiful story of your grand mother. You have made my day – I shall travel today with a smile on my face thinking of her beautiful Irish village and what love she passed onto her family.
    Happy St. Patty’s Day Crystal.

  7. Thanks for sharing your story
    and how you remember your
    grandmother on St Patrick’s Day.
    Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you.

  8. Now that’s the way to remember a person! When I’m gone I hope someone will make meringue cookies in my honor.

    I shall enjoy your bread vicariously. Chow down for me!:D

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