Corned Beef and Cabbage

As you know, I was adopted by Nana and Pepe when I was just a few months old (one of these days I will scan the old photos and add them to this blog). My rightful heritage is German and Irish, though your grandparents are French through and through. Nana and Pepe were really thoughtful when it came to my biology. Neither of them kept the adoption a secret; in fact, through the years, they would cheerfully answer any questions I had and would disclose small details--as that is all they had since the adoption was a legally closed one. I have to say, as the primary parent I talked adoption with, Nana never made be feel ashamed to ask about my birth parents or my adoption story.

As I got older, Nana made it her special treat to me to make Corned Beef and Cabbage every year on Saint Patrick's Day. I don't remember when or why the tradition got started, but it became one I look forward to every year. As an adult, I have carried the treasured torch, and since 2003, I have actually been cooking all the special meals for them!

This year St. Patty's was on Thursday, a work day; therefore today, Sunday, we will feast on one of my favorite meals ever. I just love the nostagia! Here is the recipe (a simple one) for you to share one day with your own families. Perhaps you will carry the torch and cook it for me!

Corned Beef and Cabbage

1 corned beef brisket (find the brands that have the spices enclosed)
5 pound bag of red potatoes, unpeeled, whole
1 bag of baby carrots
1 bag small onions, peeled, but whole
One head of cabbage, quartered

Place corned beef in a large pot and cover with water. Cover and simmer for about 2 hrs. Add potatoes and onions (you may have to add more water to cover everything). Cover and continue simmering for 1 hour. Add carrots. Place cabbage on top of the other succulent ingredients. Continue simmering, covered, for a half hour. Serve it all with dark bread slathered with real butter.


Remember!! (In spite of how much your father hammered the Italian "thing") You're Irish, too, my loves!

~Mama