Danielle Peterson

For the last couple of years Ben and I have done a traditional Irish St. Patrick’s Day dinner.

Each year it’s a little bit different. Some years it’s spent with good friends, others with family. But each year it’s a great low key opportunity to get together, eat great food, play games and have some fun.

Each year though, one thing that hasn’t changed is the pièce de résistance!- the corned beef!

Before I got married, I don’t think I even knew what corned beef was. It wasn’t something that my family grew up eating, and St. Patrick’s Day wasn’t really a holiday we went all out for. But now that I know about it- I would never give it up!

Not being one to do things half-way- every year, rather than buying corned beef at the store, we get a large beef brisket and make the corned beef ourselves.

You guys, this was a GAME-CHANGER for me! And I think a big part of the reason that I love celebrating St. Patrick’s Day as much as I do!

So today I wanted to share with you what our St. Patrick’s Day menu will be this year.

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1. First off- Corned Beef!

As I already mentioned, we make our own corned beef. The first time I tried it, it felt a little daunting, but honestly it’s so easy once you know what you’re doing!

Here are a few of the videos I watched that helped me figure it out when I was starting.

Brad Leone Makes Perfect Corned Beef | It’s Alive! | Bon Appétit

(Brad uses Guinness in his, which I don’t include when I make it, so if that bothers you, you can always replace it with water just so long as the brine completely covers your meat.)

How to Make Corned Beef at Home | America’s Test Kitchen

These ladies give you lots of great information and understanding into the processes of Corning beef as well as showing you how to make it and cook it. I found the information in here really helpful and straightforward.

Homemade Corned Beef Recipe- Corn your own beef! | Homesteading Family

I love watching Homesteading Family’s videos. She has a lot of great knowledge about not only corned beef but preserving and pickling methods in general.

Over the years my own exact “recipe” changes a little here and there, but these videos will give you the gyst to get you started.

After the meat has marinaded in the brine for long enough, I will usually transfer the meat with some fresh brine into the slow cooker and let it cook there all day leading up to our party so it’s nice and tender.

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2. Mustard Cream Sauce:

I first discovered mustard cream sauces this past summer when I was trying to make a nice anniversary dinner for my husband, and I have been OBSESSED with them ever since. Sweet, savory, zesty and creamy all in one… gosh, my mouth is watering just thinking about it! There are so many different recipes out there, but here are two that I really enjoy. The first from Howe We Live is a little more decadent, while the second from Bunny’s Warm Oven, gives you a slightly healthier variation.

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3. Crispy Potato Gratin

For the last several months I have been doing the Dukan Diet to drop the remaining Covid weight that I’d gain over the last couple of years and it’s been fantastic.

I’m finally back to the weight I was at my wedding, I’m feeling great, and I’m at the point now that I can start reintroducing more starches and fats like potatoes and cheese. And you better bet your life that I am stoked for that again!

So this Crispy Parmesan and Gruyère Potato Gratin from Flourishing Foodie is on the celebration menu for St. Patrick’s Day this year, and I cannot wait to enjoy it!

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4. Brussels Sprouts

I know, I know, I will probably get some flack for this. But instead of cabbage this year on the side, I decided to go with this delicious recipe for Brussels Sprouts from Eat Yourself Skinny.

Our dinner this years is with my in-laws, and to my knowledge they aren’t big fans of cabbage, so I thought we might try this instead.

Plus they are basically just mini cabbages, which makes them that much more adorable.

Sometimes traditions need a little twist.

5. Irish soda bread

This is a recipe I am really excited to try! Another food that I have been restricted on with my diet has been bread. But now that I can have it again, I am excited to start making my own loaves again, starting with this Irish Soda Bread recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen.

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I Hope these recipes inspire some ideas for your St. Patrick’s Day events this year as they have for mine!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

DP