There’s a lot to celebrate in March: the arrival of spring, lighter days, and daffodils! But right at the top of the list is St Patrick’s Day on the 17 March, marking the feast of St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Here’s how to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in France with great Irish and British produce from Bacon by the Box, paired with fabulous French gastronomy.
Who was St Patrick?
St Patrick was born in Roman Britain in the fourth century but as a teenager he was captured by Irish pirates as a slave and taken to Ireland. When he was 20, he escaped and returned to Britain and after experiencing a “vision” he studied for the priesthood. He returned to Ireland in 433 AD and converted the people there to Christianity, often using a shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. He is credited with a number of miracles and built many monasteries and churches. He died on the 17 March 461.
Today, St Patrick’s Day is celebrated in many different countries and in many different ways, whether that’s in an Irish pub or part of an organised event. And never more so than in France. In Paris, the Irish Cultural Centre is a good place to start, but you’ll also find official celebrations across the country in cities like Montpellier, Grenoble, Lyon and Nice. Celebrations include church services, concerts, sporting events, lighting up famous landmarks in green, wearing green clothes and colourful parades.
How to Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in France
It’s easy to have your own St Patrick’s Day celebration in gastronomic style – mix great French cuisine with brilliant Irish produce. And uniting these two fabulous flavours – Bacon by the Box, founded in France, the online store is now based in Ireland and delivers great Irish and British produce all over France and Europe.
Since St Patrick’s Day is a day of celebration why not start the day with an Irish breakfast fry up? Traditional Irish sausages are a must, farm smoked Irish bacon, plus Irish white and black pudding – and of course, baked beans – all from Bacon by the Box. Pair with fresh local eggs, mushrooms and tomatoes. Serve with soda bread, a symbol of both heritage and tradition in Ireland. Bacon by the Box have made baking easy because you can order a ready to go Irish soda bread kit which contains the bread mix, a mixing bag and even a bread tin.
A light St Patrick’s Day lunch
Make enough soda bread to last a full day, and when it’s time for lunch, serve with a French smoked salmon pâté. All you need is:
Ingredients
- 8oz/225g smoked salmon French
- 8oz/225g Boursin
- 1 tsp horseradish sauce – from Bacon by the Box
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- A few sprigs of dill
Place all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until rich and creamy. It’s as simple as that! And why not serve with a glass of Sancerre or even Champagne?
The main event
You cannot celebrate St Patrick’s day without Irish stew. There are several variations, so there really is something for every taste. Traditional Irish stew, Stobhach, is made with root vegetables and lamb (and beef is also sometimes used). There is no hard and fast rule as to how to make it but include plenty of parsley in the pot and slow simmer for up to two hours.
Beef and Guinness stew is another firm favourite, with the Guinness adding a deep, rich flavour. Originally Guiness stew was made with lamb, but it’s as good if not better with beef. Other ingredients include onion and garlic, bacon, French carrots and celery, tomato puree and salt, pepper, bay and thyme to season. Just brown off the beef and sauté the vegetables and then pop in the pot and slow simmer for a couple of hours.
Bacon by the Box are once again by your side to make your stews easy, and you can order Irish lamb and beef (including diced beef perfect for stews), bacon and Knorr’s beef casserole mix. Oozing with the flavours of Ireland, don’t forget to serve with your homemade Irish soda bread to soak up the sauce.
Or how about a good Irish steak and French fries – simple, but delicious.
Stop press: news of the “world’s best steak”
If you love steak (and yes, France produces some great steak), the exciting news is that the Emerald Isle has officially been crowned home of the world’s best steak. The announcement came from the recent World Steak Challenge, widely regarded as the gold standard for steak producers across the globe. Ireland did not just win one title either. A record-breaking 68 medals were awarded to Irish producers, including 24 golds, making Ireland the top-performing country overall. On top of that, the grand prize for Irish grass-fed steak also came home.
Bacon by the Box supply some fantastic premium Irish steak which include Lisduggan Farm ribeye, striploin and sirloin as well as some fantastic Irish T-bone steaks.
All made easy
Bacon by the Box delivers all over France and when you spend €150, delivery is free. If you’ve got friends in the area who fancy a taste of Ireland or home, get together for a collective order. With no hidden costs, no customs charges (check out their website, where they list all their costs) and deliveries made weekly by certified vehicle, it’s easy to make your Bacon by the Box delivery part of your regular routine.
So, from the French, bon appetit – and as the Irish blessing goes, “May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light, May good luck pursue you each morning and night,” – Happy St Patrick’s Day.
Find out more and order your Irish and British treats: baconbythebox.com
