Traditional Irish Apple Cake

St. Patrick’s Day is soon approaching and I’m getting ready for the next “holiday” dinner. Celebrations and gatherings are what we need, considering the past year. All our lives were invaded with the pandemic. Multiplied by Jenny’s bacterial meningitis, my father’s hospitalizations, surgeries and death in the fall, it’s certainly caused me to focus on wonderful Spring, 2021 and all it has to offer here in SW Iowa in farm country.

Calving began several weeks ago at Bill and Shelby’s. It’s gone fairly well considering the frigid temperatures for two weeks, coupled with two significant snows of over 5″ each time. Mr. Farmer just stuck his head in to say that there is a calf on the way in Joe and Molly’s herd. Our calves won’t begin for a couple weeks. Good weather and sunshine always help during calving season. Things just go better when the sun in shining. Can I get an “Amen?” :)We will have our share of mud this year because we’ve had plenty of snow. It’s funny how those mama cows always seem to find the muddiest spot to drop their calves. By the end of this week I’m guessing the yards and fields will switch from the colors of white to browns and greens. The March winds will soon come to dry up the land. I just hope the wind won’t bring any more snow with it. You just never know about March in Iowa. One day it’s like Spring with robins singing and the next you can be hunkered down in the middle of a blizzard. What will the weather be like on St. Patty’s Day this year, I wonder?

I do believe it’s time to change out my red dining room tablecloth for a green one. Isn’t it fun to get ready in advance for an upcoming holiday with some decorations of color? Do you enjoy treasure-hunting for some really good recipes to go with the holiday, as well? I do! Makes me smile. 🙂

Irish Stew is one of my all-time favorite Irish dishes, probably because my mom made it year after year as I was growing up. The gravy coated biscuits atop a hearty, thick stew make my mouth water just writing about it. Soon I will get this recipe on the blog for you. You’re gonna love it!

Soda Bread

Soda bread was another wonderful food item Mom would serve up on St. Patrick’s Day.

The above recipe is a little sweeter with raisins. I love them both and plan on having one of these on my holiday-green table cloth.

Colcannon

Love, love love these mashed potatoes with cabbage. Absolutely delicious!

Traditional Irish Apple Cake

Today I will share an authentic Irish apple cake that you could easily be served up if you happened to be in Ireland for St. Patty’s Day. This recipe is kind of a mix of a pie and a cake. I think you will enjoy it, too.

Traditional Irish Apple Cake

Print Recipe

This delicious pie-like cake will satisfy you as you talk about what made St. Patrick so famous!

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:40 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 1 C all purpose flour
• 1/4 t baking powder
• 1 stick butter
• 1/3 C sugar
• 1 T milk, approximately
• 2 apples, peeled and chopped ( I use Granny Smith)
• 2 eggs
• Whipped Cream or Cool Whip
• dash ground cloves (optional)
• 1/8 t salt

Instructions

• In a large mixing bowl, sift flour, cloves, salt and baking powder. Cut in the butter until you have small crumbs. With a fork, whip 1 egg in a small dish, then add the milk. In the center of the mixing bowl, make a hole to add the wet mixture. With you hands mix it altogether. Yes, it will be sticky. Add a little flour to be able to make it into 1 lump, then cut the lump of dough in half. Spray a pie pan with cooking spray, then softly shape the dough into the bottom of the pie plate, coming up the sides to meet the next layer.
• Next, add the chopped apple on top of the dough. Sprinkle with a little sugar and ground cloves (optional).
• Using more flour, roll out the other lump of dough. Fold over the dough into quarters so that you can easily move it to top the apples. (I found this dough tough to move, so don't worry about tearing as it can easily be mended.) Whip up the other egg with a fork. Using a pastry brush, brush the entire crust. Sprinkle with more sugar and add a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Serve warm with whipped cream, heavy cream, ice cream or Cool Whip. You will love it any way. 🙂

It’s a keeper. I served it warm with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon.

What do you know about St. Patrick? Name 10 things!

Okay, I’m going to give you an assignment: Look up and write down some interesting facts about St. Patrick and why the Irish are so proud of him. Then, write them down as conversation questions as you are eating this fabulous dessert.

As Christians, whether we live in Ireland or not, Patrick accomplished so much on spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to this pagan land.

What is the “Great Commission?”

The great commission: Jesus said, “Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you.” Matthew 28:19, 20

This commission was given to every follower of Jesus, not just the leaders, the pastors, the educators. Many, many people, all over the world do not yet know or understand that Jesus came to rescue them from their bondage to sin. He came to set them free. Amazing love! St. Patrick became a believer and led so so many people to Christ hundreds of years ago, and that is still our work today. That should be our main focus as we live out our lives for Him.

As you prepare this lovely Irish apple cake and find out more of St. Patrick’s story, write down some conversation questions so that you have a really good discussion with those around your table as you eat your dessert. You’ll be so glad you did. Who knows who will be spurred on with the great commission.

Enjoy!