Irish Colcannon

I’ve been dreaming about Irish Colcannon for years.

Actually, ever since first watching this video featuring Tyler Florence. I loved everything about this beautiful production. From the lovely European landscape, to the crunch of the leaves beneath their feet; from the authenticity of the potato recipe, to the stunning homestead where it was prepared. I loved it all.

There was a spell of time that Tyler Florence and Bobby Flay were my two very favorite Food Network stars. And because I have a hubby who pays attention, when these fellas came to town, Dom was on it.

Back in 2008, Tyler visited the Turning Stone Resort as part of the Celebrity Chef Series. And as luck would have it, his appearance fell closely after Mother’s Day, making it a perfect gift from my big guy. So on a bright and sunny springtime afternoon, Dom and I took our seats in this monster arena to watch Tyler prepare one of his quintessential meals from his recent cookbook, Tyler’s Ultimate. It was quite a thrill to be in the presence of Tyler while he was cooking – but the true gift actually came after his demonstration…I got to meet Tyler and have him sign my copy of his book. Of course, the line was long – but that was okay – it gave me ample time to rehearse what I was going to say. Only problem was – there were too many things to choose from, “I love your show…Your latest book is gorgeous…You’re my biggest inspiration in the kitchen…My favorite of your recipes is… etc, etc, etc…”. I felt pretty confident that once I was standing before him, the right words would come to mind, and if I was lucky, I’d say something so special that Tyler would remember my sentiment forever.

So here we go, the lady before me was finished…it was my turn to share my foodie affections with one of my culinary heroes…

I look at him.

He looks at me.

I hand him my book.

He smiles and asks my name.

It is my moment.

I speak…

“I have a nephew who looks like you.”

Dramatic pause.

Still paused.

“Ohh……….cool,” said Tyler.

And that was it.

It’s all I had.

Oh. My. God.

 

 

Have you ever been starstruck? It’s a real thing, my friends. Not that my handsome little nephew, Luke, didn’t look like Tyler. He did. It’s just that, well – you know – it had played out differently in my head…

But then again, I just might have been the first and only person to say something like that… Perhaps my goal was accomplished…

 

 

My version of Tyler’s Irish Colcannon is very much modified, but still rustic and comforting, just the same.

I think a large part of its loveliness comes from the use of the potato masher. It maintains a perfect texture which adds to the earthy feel of the dish…the bacon, butter, scallions and cabbage don’t hurt either.

 

 

Once the potatoes are cooked and the cabbage wilted, it’s just a matter of heating the milk and adding the remaining ingredients to mash together.

 

 

Season with salt and pepper.

 

 

And don’t be afraid to add a couple large pats of butter to finish it off.

 

Thanks for the memories, Tyler!

Buon Appetito!

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Ciao!