Book Club: Brooklyn

Brooklyn by Colm  Tóibín is set in Ireland and New York City in the 1950s.  The novel was originally published in 2009 but regained popularity after the 2015 movie adaptation.  Our group as a whole loved both the book and the movie.  If you have not enjoyed either read the novel first! Our host, Gin Smith, prepared a wonderful Irish meal for the occasion.

The Cocktail

The Irish Shillelagh

1/2 Lemon, Juiced
1 tsp. Powdered Sugar
1 1/2 oz. Irish Whiskey
1 tbsp. Sloe Gin
1 tbsp. White Rum 

Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with fresh raspberries, strawberries, a cherry and two peach slices.

This was an interesting drink and one was plenty!

The Menu

Sunday Best Irish Soda Bread

Raspberry Pecan Salad with Raspberry Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

Roasted Winter Root Vegetables

Colcannon

Lamb Roast

Irish Soda Bread served with Dubliner Cheese and Preserves

Raspberry Pecan Salad with Raspberry Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

Gin slaved over a hot stove all day to prepare a traditional Irish meal  keeping with the theme of the book.  She used many recipes compiled by her sister, Kaureen, in a wonderful cook book. The Colcannon is an Irish dish consisting of mashed potatoes and sautéed cabbage.

For dessert she served coffee with Devonshire Cream and coffee ice cream topped with Irish Cream. 

Recipe Courtesy of Gin’s Sister Kaureen

The Devonshire Cream would be perfect on fresh berries too!

Thanks to Gin for a wonderful time.  Excellent job hosting!