Irish food for a bridal shower?

[Stitchfans]

Just so that you know, the Irish don't do bridal showers, so you needn't think about emulating a typical menu. I agree that tea foods are probably best.

No one here has mentioned the one item that would be guaranteed to be on the menu at a festive tea in an Irish household: FRUITCAKE!!!! No festive occasion in Ireland is complete without it. (For weddings and Christmas we have iced versions with almond paste marzipan and royal icing on.)

As to fruit flavorings for jams, scones or such, the most popular in Ireland would be red currant, followed probably by apricot and apple. Cream pastries are also very popular, as dairy products in Ireland are of VERY high quality, so they are always quite delicious.

I'd also recommend some smoked salmon, always present if you are pulling out all the stops for a party menu. Quiche turns up quite often, too, as French influence is very strong in Irish cuisine these days. If you want to include a food that looks green, I'd go with egg and cress tea sandwiches; those are eaten everywhere in Ireland and the UK.

thought of fruitcake but just the idea of it turns my stomach, not my favorite.

 

[NotUrsula]

thought of fruitcake but just the idea of it turns my stomach, not my favorite.

Ah, but you've probably never had a proper Irish fruitcake. Most of the ones available for purchase in the US are pretty awful, but a good home-baked and properly cured fruitcake is a sublime thing. Even my notoriously picky children never turn it down.

 

[nkjzmom]

Scones, with clotted cream and jam. Oh, and TEA, of course! If I were you, I'd go easy on the "green food" theme idea. If your friend actually is Irish, or has Irish relatives, they might find that a bit tacky.

what a cute idea! for a bridal shower I would probably not do heavy pub food, but I also wouldn't go the green route. what about doing a tea? you could do scones with jams/clotted cream, tea cakes, apple/pear tarts, shortbread (is shortbread more scottish than irish?). oooh, maybe a trifle with baileys (mmmm). you could add some triangle shaped sandwiches of ham or cheese or the like. maybe some shamrock shaped sugar cookies sprinkled with green sugar if you really want a little green in there.

I love the "tea" idea but we are Mormon...so no tea (or Baileys!) for us! Also, I think we're going with a lighter menu. The green idea came from the bride's mother. She is decorating with St. Patrick's Day items. So we will still serve the punch and fruits to please her. But I do like some of the sandwich/tarts ideas.

I was planning on making a traditional soda bread but should I do scones instead? I've found great recipes for both! Scones might be easier to serve...hmmm.

I really appreciate all of your great ideas!

 

[nkjzmom]

Also, if I do a cheese plate, is cutting them into cubes the best way?

 

[princess momma]

I love the "tea" idea but we are Mormon...so no tea (or Baileys!) for us! Also, I think we're going with a lighter menu. The green idea came from the bride's mother. She is decorating with St. Patrick's Day items. So we will still serve the punch and fruits to please her. But I do like some of the sandwich/tarts ideas.

I was planning on making a traditional soda bread but should I do scones instead? I've found great recipes for both! Scones might be easier to serve...hmmm.

I really appreciate all of your great ideas!

Sorry I'm going off topic here, but I've never heard that Mormons can't drink tea. Why is that? I googled it but got some pretty bizarre info.

 

[NJMomma]

It's true - they don't eat corned beef. Potatoes, however, are ALWAYS a safe bet. Irish people eat potatoes in every way, shape and form!

Yes, based on our family that's true. Lots of "spuds".

OT - JFranklyn in Wayne...hmmm, Are you Cindy's friend???

 

[MAKmom]

OP are you having a shower before noon?

Scones, with clotted cream and jam. Oh, and TEA, of course! If I were you, I'd go easy on the "green food" theme idea. If your friend actually is Irish, or has Irish relatives, they might find that a bit tacky.

Sorry I'm going off topic here, but I've never heard that Mormons can't drink tea. Why is that? I googled it but got some pretty bizarre info.

Mormons can not drink anything with caffine.

 

[Skywalker]

I make an Irish Cream Bundt Cake that is delicious...

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Irish-Cream-Bundt-Cake/Detail.aspx

Puglsey, you rock.

Can't wait to make this on the weekend (it is Thanksgiving here in Canada - this is going to be a huge hit with my family - big drinkers, lol).

 

[Pugsley]

Puglsey, you rock.

Can't wait to make this on the weekend (it is Thanksgiving here in Canada - this is going to be a huge hit with my family - big drinkers, lol).

You are going to love it!

 

[RUDisney]

Also, if I do a cheese plate, is cutting them into cubes the best way?

It depends on how you are serving it. If you are serving it with crackers, I like slices of cheese that are easily placed on a cracker and into my mouth. A cube on a cracker isn't as easily eaten.

If I am serving sliced cheese, I either arrange the slices attractively on a plate or I slice several pieces and leave the cheese wedge on a plate/tray with a cheese knife so my guests can serve themselves.

 

[postage stamp]

Don't they make tea without caffeine? Pretty sure I have some in my cupboard.

 

[muffyn]

Ah, but you've probably never had a proper Irish fruitcake. Most of the ones available for purchase in the US are pretty awful, but a good home-baked and properly cured fruitcake is a sublime thing. Even my notoriously picky children never turn it down.

recipe?

 

[nkjzmom]

Sorry I'm going off topic here, but I've never heard that Mormons can't drink tea. Why is that? I googled it but got some pretty bizarre info.

I don't want to get topic so I"ll send you a PM.