Erin Go Bragh - Or, Ireland Forever

Hospitality is an integral part of the Irish personality. Both friend and stranger are greeted with a soft-spoken "Cead mille failte," which means " a hundred thousand welcomes." The food is prepared with loving care in the ways learned by every daughter from her mother. It is hearty and generally simple in preparation to accentuate the fresh, full flavor of quality foods produced by an agricultural nation.

Potatoes are indeed the backbone of Irish cooking. They are boiled in their jackets, baked, mashed, fried and even used in breads and cakes. Other vegetables are eaten in season, with a heavy emphasis on the root vegetables such as carrots, onions, and turnips, which have excellent keeping qualities. Cabbage, onion and beets are pickled for winter use and provide an excellent foil for boiled meats.

A variety of fruits are grown in Ireland, forming the basis for beautiful cakes and tarts and delicious preserves and jams for winter use. Eating is usually a leisurely family activity. Breakfast is a large meal, generally eaten very early. Oatmeal porridge is usually eaten accompanied by fresh eggs, smokey bacon, homemade bread, butter and preserves. Strong black tea with milk and sugar is served with all meals.

The mid-day meal is usually the main meal of the day, eaten at home with the whole family. A hearty soup, followed by meat, potatoes, vegetable, bread and dessert, provides a substantial diet for the hard-working farmer. The late-afternoon to early-evening meal is referred to as "tea." In urban areas, tea is a late afternoon ladies' affair with tea and cakes, and supper is served later in the evening.

Tea is extremely important to the Irish. It is served at all times of the day. It is a dark brew made from fermented black teas, usually from Ceylon or Africa. It is served fresh and hot with milk and sugar and provides excellent warmth against the dense Irish mists.

Irish food is best known for the quality of its ingredients and the honesty of its preparation. It is satisfying and delightful to the palate.