What's up with the Corned Beef?

What is up with that corned beef on St. Patrick's day? You ask the Irish in Ireland they have no idea.  They will tell don't eat corned beef and it is not a typical Irish meal.  Many theories exist on the origins of partaking corned beef on St Patrick's day. After researching I find this historical rendition the most pausible.   The Irish descended upon the US in droves during the Great Famine of the 1846 to 1851.  The Irish lucky enough to arrive alive  (and we aren't talking car wrecks while texting) were starving and obviously unemployed.  Many arrived in New York through the famed Ellis Island. They filled the slums of New york in search of a better life, which at the time, I think, meant not being hungry. As a charity to the poor, the butchers took their cheapest cut of meat, the brisket, ready to rot and brined them as a means to extend the life of the meat.  This brining process with a brisket and some spices creates corned beef. These corned beef briskets were donated to the multitude of indigent Irish.  Cabbage was cheap.  So a typical meal for the Irish was corned beef and cabbage. But wait, wait don't ever forget the potatoes!

We love St Patrick's Day!  What a celebration!  It's all about fun.  In honor of the great Irish spirit Saturday March 16th (day before St Pat's) the Celtic Ranch is offering FREE corned beef, cabbage and potatoes from 12-4pm  We have 89 lbs of corned beef so we should be okay.  Our infamous Joe & Rose King will present you with a nice taste of the Irish American tradition.  Praise be to the Irish.  Praise be to the undeniable spirit of a people, who created a new life in this great country, so that so many of us can sit warm & comfy in our homes today.  And if you are IBM (Irish by marriage) that's okay.  We take in anybody!