The entries have been pouring in to CBC Radio’s Flavours of Vancouver contest, but only one lucky entrant could be selected for the Early Bird Prize, of a weekend for two at Cornucopia, Whistler’s Food and Wine Celebration. The winner is Triona Benvin, and here is her entry:
I grew up in Ireland in the 70’s . Saint Patrick’s Day is our national holiday. It always rained . Myself and my three sisters would trudge into town to see the parade marching through Shop street and around Eyre Square . Our one tv RTV played movies about sweet nuns in the missions sweltering beneath their habits helping some swarthy doctor heal the sick in the jungle. The pubs were all on Sunday time, opened at seven in the evening and closed at 10.00. I moved to Vancouver in 1997 and met my Canadian husband here.
One of my earliest successes with him was a St. Patrick’s Day party I threw inviting some Irish friends. I made corned beef and cabbage to go with tales of Paddy’s Day in Galway . My meal was a hit and found a special place in each of our hearts for me carrying on a memory of a yearly holiday with my family and for Mike my husband an understanding of the place I come from. Now we make it for all special occassions with a Celtic flair. Its rustic bold flavors seem to really appeal to our guests. Its a very simple recipe .The secret is in the time you take to cook it.The meat becomes very tender with long cooking and the broth is used to cook the cabbage. Enjoy!
3-5 POUND PIECE OF CORNED BEEF BRISKET
4-5 CANS OF BEER . Ale works best
one head of savoy cabbage.
Brown the brisket on both sides at high heat to seal in the flavour.
Cover with beer and simmer for 5 hours. Allow to cool.
Remove the meat from the broth . Bring the broth to the boil again.
Stir in coarsely sliced cabbage and gently simmer for no more than 5 minutes. Serve sliced meat and cabbage with mustard and lots of mashed potatoes.
Thanks for your entry, Triona, and don’t forget there are more prizes to be had. The deadline for The Flavours of Vancouver contest is December 10th.
