Since I moved to Ireland - just 1 month ago - I have been trying to understand a little more about traditional Irish food. At the moment, I am reading a book written by Paul and Jeanne Rankin and another one by Rachel Allen (and another one by Nigella, but let's stop talking about my cookery books obsession, it's not interesting) Honestly, I didn't know much about the food in this country and I try to learn as much as possible from everyone around me.
I must admit that my huge curiosity can become annoying when I interrupt people's conversation asking for recipes, menu details, Irish history etc. I can't help but trying to figure out the cookery habits of this country. Right now, I have to say that I'm getting to know a little bit about some of the most important Irish chefs and cookery schools. I learn everyday and I like to pay attention at every detail when I visit a little market in town or I am invited to share a meal with Irish people.
I have to say that I'm a curious person by nature. I'm familiar with many countries cookery, especially Brazilian obviously, British, French, Arabic and Asian. but I never stop getting amazed by a different culture. After reading this book (Paul & Jeanne Rankin's New Irish Cookery) I have got really good insights into the favorite dishes of this beautiful island.
The first thing I noticed, even without reading any book from a famous chef, was that the dairy products in here are exceptional. I never saw such a smooth and creamy butter. The crème fraiche is a way better than in France. Everything is tasty, rich and healthy.
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| Kerrygold butter: one of my fav |
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| Kerrygold Garlic bread: Just the best I have ever tasted. |
My second observation was about the meat quality. I am sure it's because of the super green grass. Everywhere I see fat cows eating all day long, let's say that they have quite a good life in Ireland. Oops, I forgot to tell that I live in the countryside, so it's just a matter of looking out the window to see happy cattle over a beautiful green hill somewhere.
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| Irish meat |
There is something that is not food, but I am absolutely addicted to: Baileys Irish Cream. I simply love sipping this wonderful cream after a good dinner. It's the perfect conclusion of a delicious meal. What a pity we don't have wine in Ireland, but for me, Baileys makes up for this. I am sure most people will think, but how about Guinness? Don't you like it? It's not a question whether I like it or not, it's simply a question that I have never tasted it. I am not a big fan of beers. Everybody who knows me is aware that I have a great passion for good wine. I love to drink quality wine with a good meal, but I am not into beers. I just don't like the taste of it.
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| Baileys Irish Cream |
During Christmas holidays I was invited to a small restaurant where I tasted the tradicional Irish breakfast. Well, I found not much different from English breakfast, so I have to say that I quite like it, but I think that would be impossible to eat on a regular basis. Why? Let's tell the truth, it's absurdly fat! And then, I have always had some problem with black pudding. I don't know why, I don't feel very comfortable eating pork's blood.
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| Irish Breakfast |
Since I came in here, I can not resist eating a slice of brown bread almost everyday. I love this bread, it's so tasty! This is one of my future challenges, trying to bake at home. Perhaps one of these days I will post something about my attempt at baking Irish brown bread. Honestly, this bread makes me to forget la baguette française that I was so used to eat chez moi everyday.
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| Irish Brown bread |
Only another day, talking to a friend, I understood the importance of potatoes in this land. I am pretty much used to eat potatoes on a regular basis. They are very common on British and French tables, so no surprise about that. Except in Brazil where things are different. The most tradicional Brazilian dish is "rice and beans". It means that you will eat rice and beans in Brazil as much as you will eat potatoes in Ireland. But then, returning to the main subject, it's interesting to know that this vegetable is vital to Irish people and that historically they suffered every time they had a problem with potatoes harvesting. One good example was the Irish potato famine in 1845.
I still have a lot to discover. From time to time I should write a little more about my experience in this country, especially the ones regarding food. So far, I don't have any complains. It's an absolutely amazing land, with gorgeous landscapes, good food and warm-hearted people. See you soon!
Cleidi
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