European
Cioppino
This stew uses bottled clam juice, a smart shortcut to a robust broth.
Slow-Roasted Andalusian-Style Lamb and Potatoes
Ask for the smallest lamb your butcher has (like those from New Zealand), or buy a 3 1/2-4-pound piece of a leg.
The Swedish Tart
"Using kombucha for tartness in this drink offers a flavor profile that we know and love in highballs like a Tom Collins, but with a different perspective." —Eamon Rockey; Aska, Brooklyn
Raspberry-Hazelnut Galette
Parchment paper is a lifesaver when making this rustic tart. Use it when rolling out the tender, delicate crust (it'll keep it from sticking), then use it to fold over the edges of the galette.
Tortilla de Patatas
Salting the potatoes ahead of time draws out some of their liquid and guarantees they're well seasoned.
Italian Vegetable Stew
Packed with vegetables and white beans, this is the kind of wholesome one-pot meal you need to ward off winter blues.
Green Apple Sangria
This lightly spiced sangria is packed with green apple and citrus flavor.
Black Velvet
Guinness is considered by its many aficionados to be extremely creamy, but when you add it to Champagne or prosecco, its fruitiness emerges as well. The proportions are roughly two parts bubbly to one part Guinness, but you can mix it to taste. It's a bit of a novelty drink, but, like Irish Coffee, it's found all over Ireland. Black Velvet is a terrific party drink. It's Irish, you can mix it to order as guests arrive, it's delicious—and it stretches your Champagne farther!
Boxty
Boxty are traditional potato pancakes that are particularly loved in the Northern counties. They can be served as a potato side dish rather than mashed or boiled potatoes or as part of an Irish Breakfast . This is my husband Isaac's take on boxty, he uses cream and not too much flour so they're good and rich.
Shortbread
"Real" shortbread is typically made with a little rice flour, which gives it that dry and delicate crunch. Instead of seeking rice flour, you can get an excellent result by using cornstarch to help achieve the classic texture. Sprinkle on a little green sanding sugar to celebrate "the day that's in it," as the Irish say.
Black Pudding
People—not just the Irish—have been eating blood puddings for centuries, in cultures all around the world. No Irish fry is truly complete without at least a slice of black and a slice of white pudding. And it's not just for breakfast anymore. Talented Irish chefs have found ways to incorporate it into salads and main dishes. Black pudding recipe vary wildly throughout Ireland; some include barley, breadcrumbs, and flour, but oatmeal is the old-fashioned thickener. Be sure it's steel-cut or pinhead oatmeal, and cook it until just tender. Individual nubs of oats should be visible in the final product. Store-bought versions will always be made in sausage casings, unlike this recipe, packed into a loaf pan.
It is far easier to buy black pudding ready-made, and there are lots of artisan producers making truly worthy black versions. But if you're able to come into possession of fresh pig's blood, you'll be all set to make this recipe. And if not—well, you'll know precisely what a good black pudding should contain.
It is far easier to buy black pudding ready-made, and there are lots of artisan producers making truly worthy black versions. But if you're able to come into possession of fresh pig's blood, you'll be all set to make this recipe. And if not—well, you'll know precisely what a good black pudding should contain.
Porter Cake
This traditional Irish cake uses a porter, such as Guinness, Beamish, or Murphy's, and is a deliciously rich and moist fruit cake. Make it a few days in advance of the celebratory event (it's perfect for St Patrick's Day) if you like, and it will improve even more!
Quick Pomodoro Sauce
Go ahead and double this tomato sauce. It freezes well—ready for other pastas or for simmer-poaching eggs
Curly Pasta with Butternut Squash
Quickly cooking shredded butternut squash with butter and sage turns it into an almost-instant sauce for a very autumnal pasta dinner.
Orecchiette with Kale and Breadcrumbs
With a bag of frozen kale in your freezer, this elegant dish comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Ditalini with Chickpeas and Garlic-Rosemary Oil
This version of pasta e ceci (pasta with chickpeas) thickens the sauce with puréed chickpeas, and it's finished with a fresh garlic-and-rosemary oil, which adds great flavor and an even better aroma.
Creamy Pappardelle with Leeks and Bacon
This twist on pasta carbonara is sweet from leeks and rich thanks to cream (in place of eggs).
Spaghetti With Mussels and White Beans
For a simple but elegant winter holiday meal, look no further than this Italian classic.
Classic Chocolate Mousse
Dark chocolate and espresso add the slightly bitter notes needed to balance this dessert. Remember, the higher the cacao percentage, the less sweet the chocolate.
Rösti with Fried Eggs
Rösti is a large potato pancake made famous by the Swiss. This version omits the speck, but feel free to add a slice under the cheese. Chilling parboiled potatoes makes the grating step easier.