Pairing with an Irish Red

March is known for Irish beer, so for our homebrew club meeting, we had some food that was made to pair well with Irish beer.

First was Dublin Coddle. I made it in a crock pot since the store does not have an oven available. 

You will need:

• 1lb bacon
• 6lbs pork sausage
• 3 yellow onions, sliced
• fresh parsley to taste
• 3-5lbs of peeled and diced potatoes
• kosher salt to taste
• ground black pepper to taste
• 12oz beer
• 1lb carrots

I cut up and cooked the bacon, then threw everything (even the grease) into the crockpot. I placed everything else into the crock pot, and set it on low for about six hours. Simple and delicious!

The other thing I had made was Irish soda bread. It's another quick and simple food, and was perfect to sop up the juices from the stew.

You will need:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg

Mix all the wet ingredients, then add all of the dry ingredients, with flour being added last - one cup at a time. Mix well, then knead on a floured surface until smooth. Place in a greased pan. Cut an "X" into the top of the dough. It's not necessary, but makes it look better. Bake for 45-50 minutes at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Brush with butter when done.