The Celtic Cookbook

Celtic Folklore Cooking
by Joanne Asala

I’ve been browsing through my Celtic cookbook. One of the best things about it (besides the recipes) are the stories scattered throughout. These are tales from the past, things like Cardiwen’s Cauldron, a busy tale of a an ugly son, a protective and vengeful mother, the servant who innocently received a spell meant to help the son and the chase that ensued.

There’s the Milkmaid and the Sailor, about a girl who falls under an enchantment when a mysterious sailor touches her apron. She is doomed to follow him everywhere, until her brother cuts the apron strings and throws the apron in a fire.

Sometimes the stories are related to the recipes, such as the story about Whiskey, You’re the Devil, or the history of Hot Cross Buns. More often, they tell of us of the culture and the way of life in Ireland (or Wales or Scotland) long, long ago.

They are amusing from our point of view, of course, but I like how the stories show us the people. I only hope that a few thousand years from now, the stories they tell about us, will be as enjoyable.

The author also sprinkles ancient proverbs throughout the text and these are hilarious. ‘Course, if you think about them, you nod your head and say, “well, of course.” But you have to think about them.

“Chicken today and feathers tomorrow” (Irish proverb)

“If you go into the forest for a day, take bread for a week.” (Irish)

“Tea seldom spoils if water boils.” (Scottish)

See what I mean?

The history of the recipes is discussed and which holiday(s) the food is sacred to. And whether or not one should share it with the fairies.

That might be important to know.