Autumn

Autumn

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Irish Potatoes and Heritage

Allow me, please, to show you the birthplace of my grandfather.

This is Hope Town, located in the norther Abacos of the Bahama Islands. Hope Town, a beautiful harbor, was founded by my grandmother, Wyannie Malone. It's a long story, Google it.

If you were to amble around the town you'd notice my family name stitched, stamped and painted everywhere. We also have a family museum wherein a picture of my grandfather, Ben, hangs. All of us are descendants of Ireland.

I come from a long line of shipbuilders. My grandfather captained a sailing vessel and I have it on good authority his favorite dish was a hash of potatoes and ham.

So, in honor of my grandfather (and St. Patrick's Day) today I'll build his dish.

Anyway, my family holds a huge reunion each August. I hope to attend this year. It bugs Sweet Wife as she's never seen the island.


Above, note the 'Malone,' it points towards Malone Beach. My father once owned Malone Beach until he gave it over to the British for taxes back in the late 1950's. I've never forgiven him.

Time to cook.

Stephen


10 comments:

  1. 5th generation of Irish here on my mothers side of the family. I hope you and sweet wife get to make that trip!

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    1. Mamma, so do I...we'll see what the future holds. Thanks, dear lady.

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  2. I've always thought it would be interesting to build a boat by hand - old school. Maybe when I finally retire :) Happy St Patrick's day buddy.

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    1. It's an art, boat building. I hope you get the chance too. Thanks, and back at ya...

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  3. That's a neat story! Enjoy the dinner!

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  4. At least I have a vary Irish name. Not sure if it was changed or what once getting here but I still claim Irish when it suits me.

    Good story and I don't blame you being miffed over the beach thing.

    Happy St. Paddy's Day!!!

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    1. Thanks, PP. Hey, you're Irish, it's all that matters. Yep, Dad ticked me off when my mother told me he let the land slip out of the family for back taxes. I asked how much. She said, "Fifty dollars." Then again, fifty dollars back then was a nice chunk of change.

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  5. dear sweet one - you know how much i love you, admire and respect you. with that said -

    WHERE THE HECK IS THE RECIPE FOR THE POTATOES AND WHERE IS THE PIC?!?!?!?!?

    sorry for all of the yelling. i'm english/ukranian and jambaloney is pure scots....he has a "the fourth" after his name. but Happy St. Patrick's Day all the same. (we went to our community centre for the St. Patrick's Day dance last night....and let's just say that we both let our "inner Irish" out. big time. we're both still moaning through our headaches!!!!)

    oh man, i am so sorry about the beach thing. your friend, always and truly,
    kymber

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    1. You know, kymber dearest, for a lady that loves me so very much you sure have been awful silent...have 'ya dug a hole and hidden? As far as the recipe, its simple. Boil some potatoes, until soft. Drain. Chop one very large onion and throw into some olive oil until soft. Now, take one canned ham and cut into chunks. Add to the onions. Find the garlic (fresh) crush and add, now rosemary and throw in the potatoes and about half a stick of (real) butter. Simmer for about thirty minutes. Season to taste. Serve with fresh salad.
      Love you too.

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