Real Irish Butter from Real Irish Cows

“I saw on line that you can get butter to a spreadable consistency by putting water in a small glass and microwaving it for a minute. Then pour out the water and put the heated glass over the butter,” I said to my daughter-in-law, Lisa.

“I’m sure that works,” she said, “but have you tried Kerrygold, the Irish butter? It seems to stay softer and spread easier than others.”

“Is it a margarine or actually butter?”

“It’s the real deal,” she said. “You can usually find it on the shelf over the other butters.  It comes in a tub or a chunk.”

Buttering Up to the Irish

When I purchased a tub of Kerrygold Irish Butter, I read the ingredients,

The label boasted that the product comes from “cows that roam free in fresh air and graze in lush pastures of tender grass.” The thought brought tears to my eyes.

Contentment Counts

I remember from my youth that Carnation milk came to us from “contented cows.” I’ve never seen a discontented cow. I think it’s their bovine nature to act carefree. But I digress.

I tried the Irish butter, which looked yellower than Land O’ Lakes. I liked the way it cut and spread. If you’re wanting to pay homage to the revered saint, try a dab, or two, of Irish butter on your green pancakes or soda bread. It’s the little things that make the day special.

More Goodies for St. Paddy’s Day

Kerrygold also makes several cheeses. Their Dubliner variety is described as sweet and nutty. Hmm . . . come to think of it, I have a few Irish relatives I’d describe the same way. Kerrygold makes other cheeses: an aged and a reserve cheddar, plus their Blarney, Shellig, Swiss and Red Leicester varieties.  

But if ye be a-lookin’ for something a wee bit sweet with a little kick, there’s a couple of Irish Whisky marmalades to start the day. Try Follain Orange Marmalade with Irish Whiskey. Or Bushmill Irish Whiskey Marmalade, that comes from the world’s oldest distillery, circa 1608.

I’ve been to the Bushmill distillery in Belfast a couple of times, but it never occurred to me to buy their marmalade.

An Irish Shortbread

If it’s a bit of a sweet tooth you’re havin’, try a shortbread baked in one of these pans with a decorative Irish imprint.

The shortbread pan is available from Gael Song (around $40). It’s a little pricey, but quite unique and several recipes are included. The design I have comes from Brown Bag, (see below), and features wild flowers.

The recipe has the simplest of ingredients: butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and flour. That’s all! But I like to add a bit of grated orange zest as well.