I am the product of a teacher and library supervisor.. so when I find a book I like, I don’t just read it, I OBSESS about it.  And cookbooks are no exception.  I will study a good cookbook, reading it front to back entirely.
I particularly love cookbooks that include history about that type of cooking, even reference cookbooks.  My new favorite is Irish Traditional Cooking: Over 300 Recipes from Ireland’s Heritage by Darina Allen.

The pictures are beautiful as well…

I’ve been reading this book for a couple days now, and I can’t wait to try some of the recipes.  I love the history of Irish foods she gives, and the historical recipes too.
My dad was very proud of his Irish heritage but had never been to Ireland.  When I was 18 my dad and I decided to go to Ireland together (I had caught the traveling bug having been travelling around the US with my job.)
Unfortunately, he passed away before we could take that trip.  Being the youngest of 5 I was kind of my Dad’s shadow and so I have always had a soft place in my heart for my Irish heritage.
I’ve always planned on making that trip, and hopefully one day I will.
Every year we have an Irish dinner party and I have to say it’s one of my favorite meals of the year.