Every year in mid-March, Hubby, Kiddo and I drive over to Sonora California for their two-day Celtic Celebration. For anyone living in Northern California, this is a hoot and a half.
All sorts of costumed people (yours truly and clan included) wandering about, tons of food vendors, shops and entertainment galore – just a kick in the pants all the way around. Some years it’s so hot even in March, other times it’s cold as heck. One year there was even had snow on the ground. While the jousting events are fun, and the food is great (Kiddo and I have made it a tradition to start the day with Welch Tea Cakes, Clotted Cream and Lemon Curds, Savory Sausage rolls and of course breakfast Tea), the truth be told we come mainly for the music. Our two favorite bands – Wicked Tinkers and Celtica – always rock the house. (That’s Celtic below – with flaming bagpipes).
In addition to the concert; the fair also has a living history village with wonderful people of Celtic origins who truly enjoy sharing a tale or two. There’s an insane group of Scotsmen with their faces painted blue and traveling entertainers and all sorts of people to meet. It is like taking a step back to another place and time. Once I met a lovely couple in the village who invited me to warm myself by their fire as we chatted a while. I will admit, they were a wee-bit opinionated, especially about the politics of their beloved Ireland. It was 2016, a year filled with strong opinions since it marked the 100th Anniversary of the Easter Rising or Uprising, depending upon your side of the street. That’s okay, I enjoyed their company as well as their fire.
Anyhow, toward the end of the night, I decided to wander over to the makeshift Irish Bar and order up an Irish Coffee to take the chill off my bones. The girl pouring drinks said to me “I’m sorry, but I’m all out of Bailey’s. Would you settle for some coffee and a double-shot of Whiskey?” It was all I could do to keep a straight face and let her know that would be fine. She even offered some cream. How sweet. Why was I amused, you ask? Because I hadn’t ordered a Bailey’s Coffee. I had ordered an Irish Coffee. Yes, there is a difference. Apparently the barkeeper didn’t know that . . .
I shared my coffee with Kiddo. After a while, he leaned over and whispered in my ear “I feel warm all the way to my toes.” Yep, that’s what Irish coffee is all about!
Add a little Red and Green Sprinkles on top, and a cup of Irish Cheer can warm you all the way to your toes during the holiday season.
Hot Irish Coffee
Ingredients – per glass
1 Teaspoon Brown Sugar
1 Shot Irish Whiskey (double if desired)
6 oz Hot Black Coffee
Heavy Cream, unwhipped, optional to lighten
Sweetened Whipped Cream, optional to top off the glass
In a footed Irish Coffee Cup, add brown sugar, whiskey and hot coffee. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
To lighten, add a splash of unwhipped heavy cream. Float a dollop of whipped cream on top. Serve hot.
To all the days here and after
May they be filled with fond memories, happiness and laughter
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