EGG PASTA WITH CABBAGE, POTATO AND BACON

St Patrick is one of the most recognized patron Saints of Ireland, and is celebrated on March 17th - the anniversary of his death in 461. It is believed that he brought Christianity to the Irish people, and "perhaps the most well known legend is that he explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock" (from History.com http://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day).
Early Irish immigrants to America introduced the tradition of corned beef and cabbage, this wonderful recipe substitutes bacon for the corned beef and includes another Irish staple, potatoes.

EGG PASTA WITH CABBAGE, POTATO AND BACON

6 ounces of bacon (I used Canadian bacon)
1 medium onion, diced
4 cups of cabbage, cored and sliced thin
1 teaspoon of sugar
olive oil, as needed
1 1/2 to 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch pieces
3/4 pound of egg tagliatelle
salt and black pepper to taste

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Set a large pan over medium-low heat. Add bacon and cook until fat is rendered and bacon is browned, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a plate.
Increase heat to medium and add onion. Stir to coat and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in cabbage, sugar and a pinch of salt. Cook, over medium-high heat, until lightly caramelized, about 13 minutes.
As cabbage breaks down, it should be lightly coated in drippings. If its dry, add a swirl of oil.
Meanwhile, add potatoes to the boiling water. Boil until al dente, about 7 minutes. Remove potatoes with a slotted spoon from the pot. Add to cabbage mixture and season with salt and pepper. Saute until flavors meld, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Add pasta to boiling water. Cook until al dente. In a large bowl, toss pasta with potato-cabbage mixture and bacon. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Wall Street Journal, February 2012
www.wallstreetjournal.com/

IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR

I made this last year, and distinctly remember not wanting to share, it was so wonderfully delectable.
I put together another batch of delicousness for this St Patrick's day celebration, with the firm resolution to let others try it. It is so quick and easy to make, it literally takes 4 minutes to put all the ingredients into the blender and 30 seconds to whip them all together. However, I think if anyone else wants a taste, they will need to be fast - so much for resolutions.

IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR

1 cup of half-and-half
1 (14 ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 to 2 cups of Irish whiskey
1 tablespoon of coffee liqueur
2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon of almond extract

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high for 30 seconds.
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Shake well before using. Will keep for up to 2 months.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, March 2010
www.arkansasonline.com/