My favorite holiday is right around the corner. Even the dumb kids in elementary school who gleefully yelled “Erin Go Braless” at me every March 17th couldn’t destroy my love for St. Patrick’s Day. I love wearing green, I love pinching those who for whatever reason don’t…it’s all good fun.
So, it is my duty to inform you about the St. Patrick’s Day happenings around San Francisco this weekend. They are listed below and all sound like a good time but as this is a family column, I must warn you that none of the events are kid friendly.
Instead, consider staying in with your kids and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at home. Grab a four-pack of Guinness (or two), invite some friends over and prepare the best corned beef and cabbage you’ll ever eat with my mother-in-law’s perfect, no fail recipe. Which, I’m willing to share in order to get you all in the spirit!
THE PERFECT CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE RECIPE
You will need:
A packaged corned beef (with seasonings)
Red potatoes
Head of cabbage
Butter, lemon and mustard to serve
Place the corned beef with all the seasonings in a big pot and cover with water about an inch over the meat. Bring to a boil and then turn down to simmer, leaving the lid of the pot at an angle so it isn’t tight. Simmer for about 5 hours (technically 50 minutes/pound but 5 hours has never failed me). Turn the meat over once or twice while it’s simmering.
Add the quartered potatoes to the pot about 25 minutes before you take the meat out.
Using tongs in order to save the water, take both the meat and potatoes out of the water and keep warm. Then use a slotted spoon to remove the seasonings out of the water before you add the wedges of cabbage. Cook the cabbage for about 15 minutes in the slowly boiling water.
When the cabbage is finished, place the cooked corned beef, cabbage and potatoes on a large platter and serve family style. Squeeze plenty of lemon and butter on the cabbage and the mustard can be slathered on all of it. I promise you will not be disappointed.
If you don't have 5 hours to spare as something simmers on your stove, I know there are a few a crock pot recipes out there as well. However, I don't have one I can vouch for so you are on your own if you choose that route.
Now, if you are childless and ready to go out on the town, here are a few events to check out around San Francisco this weekend:
Saint Patrick's Day Parade and Festival
Fun Cheap's 2013 Shamrock St. Patrick's Day Weekend Bash
Happy St. Patrick’s Day and as the saying goes:
May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go
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