A bit of Irish fun

Last month we learned a little about Ireland. I was interested to find out about St Patrick as St Patrick's day was coming up and we didn't know much about it.

We read the story, "St Patrick, the Greatest Missionary of All Time". I was thankful to have received it as a free download from Living Books Curriculum.

We used Enchanted Learning  to find a map and information on the Irish flag. From there we browsed a few sites and learned about the Blarney Stone, how St Patrick's Day is celebrated , leprechauns, shamrocks and other fun facts. Fun was had trying to pronounce a few words in Gaelic, the Irish language.

We found some Irish quotes and sayings, my favourite being,

 " A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything". 

I couldn't agree more!

We enjoyed trying out some Irish cuisine.

 The first being Boxty, in Irish meaning "poor-house bread"....

 ....a traditional Irish potato pancake. 

The kids really enjoyed these!

 Here is the recipe we used:

Ingredients:

1 cup raw grated potato

1 cup mashed potato

1 cup flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons salt

2 eggs

quarter cup milk

Method:

1) Place raw grated potatoes in a clean cloth and twist to remove excess moisture

2) Mix flour, salt and baking powder together and combine with all other ingredients to make a batter

3) Drop spoonfuls of batter into a hot, oiled pan and fry on either side until browned

4) Enjoy warm, with or without sugar.

My youngest enjoyed preparing an Irish Beef Stew for family dinner one evening.

We adapted the recipe we found on line at Simply Recipes. It required the addition of red wine and beer. I was a little wary that it may not be so good as I really don't enjoy the taste of beer at all! I was wrong, it was absolutely delicious and perhaps the best stew I have ever eaten! We certainly will make it again. 

Another recipe from Simply Recipes, was an Irish Soda Bread. 

My youngest, once again being the cook, proudly served this delicious bread to the family. 

On St Patrick's Day, we had a neighbourhood celebration for the fun of it. The kids dressed in green and there was green food to be enjoyed! Right from green pasta, broccoli covered in cheese to green treats and sweets! 

We so enjoyed learning about Ireland. 

I shall end with this beautiful Irish blessing....