Celebrate like the Irish for St. Paddy's Day

As with all cultural celebrations, St. Patrick's Day comes with its own kitchen, which defines experience for many.

Kelly Sadlek, in North Strabane, is an Irish-American heritage of the first generation, and this heritage was always deeply important for her family. Sadlek has an annual tradition of baking the soda bread and molasses of her grandmother.

Mary Margaret Hennigan, Sadlek's grandmother, brought these recipes from Ireland.

“She lived 94, so she died in 2007. She made these recipes pretty much,” said Sadlek.

However, Hennigan had not written down the recipes. She also did not measure any ingredients. So Sadlek was so hardworking to ensure that she was able to restore her grandmother's recipes after her way.

“Whenever she threw ingredients, handful or spoon, I would catch it in a measuring cup. That's how I made the recipe of her, ”said Sadlek.

Sadlek describes soda bread as a boring bread that contains raisins and is well spread out with butter.

“Melace bread is a spice bread,” said Sadlek. “It has molasses and brown sugar and tastes really good with cream cheese.”

Ron Barry, head of the South Brownsville fire brigade, is also very proud of his Irish roots. His grandfather became a natural citizen in 1888.

The Irish heritage is also deeply included in the identity of his fire brigade, which is colloquially known as the “Fire Fightin 'Irish” by Fayette County, since many of its members are Irish descent.

“The Irish are usually a very proud group. The Irish has had a lot of difficulty over the years, ”said Barry. “The Irish make their own luck. It is hard work, determination and undeniable spirit. “

One of Barry's characteristic dishes is Corned Beef and Kohl. It is a time -consuming process that requires several hours to cook the beef.

“This came from the Irish immigrants. Corned Beef was a cut that was relatively inexpensive, ”said Barry.

Another court based on beef that makes Barry is a mulligan stew. He explained that there is no “real” way to do it.

“Some people enter Guinness or beer to give him a deeper taste. I use different canned goods, corn, green beans, ”said Barry. “You use lamb in Ireland, but it's not so easy to get, so we used beef … it's really good with Irish soda bread.”

For both Sadlek and for Barry, they keep them connected to their heir on a meal base.

This weekend Sadlek will organize an annual meeting of St. Patrick's Day, while the fire brigade of South Brownsville takes part in the Parade in Pittsburgh. Sadlek said her extended family is always looking forward to the bread.

“It reminds her of Ireland and my grandmother,” said Sadlek.