The beauty of living in Yorkshire is running into people from all around the world, so for St Patrick’s, I thought of celebrating Ireland and my Irish friends and colleagues.

For many, St. Patrick’s Day conjures up images of lively parades, clinking pints, and a sea of green attire. But at its heart, this day is much more than just an excuse for revelry. It’s a celebration of Irish heritage, resilience, and culture, rooted in faith and tradition.

March 17th marks the death anniversary of St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, who is credited with bringing Christianity to the island in the 5th century. Legend has it that he used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity, a simple but powerful teaching tool that has since become an enduring symbol of Ireland.

Originally, St. Patrick’s Day was a solemn feast day observed with prayer, reflection, and family gatherings. Over time, as the Irish emigrated across the world, it evolved into a global celebration of Irish identity and culture. 

Food and Drink: A True Taste of Ireland

If there’s one thing that brings people together, it’s food. Irish cuisine is steeped in tradition, comfort, and simplicity, making use of hearty, local ingredients. From soda bread and colcannon to the beloved Guinness stew, food has always been a key part of the celebration.

The best chicken wings I ever had was in an Irish bar in Belfast – super juicy, crunchy and smothered in tangy, sweet and spicy buffalo sauce with an option for blue cheese sauce. More than a decade later, I still remember enjoying every bite of those wings with live Irish music in the background.

One Irish ingredient that deserves the spotlight is Stout—rich, dark, and slightly bitter with deep notes of coffee and chocolate. While it’s often enjoyed in a pint glass, stout also happens to be a brilliant ingredient in desserts. The malty, roasted flavours pair beautifully with caramel and toffee, which got me thinking…

What if I brought together two iconic desserts—Sticky Toffee Pudding and Irish Stout Caramel Sauce? A British classic meets Irish indulgence, resulting in a rich, treacly pudding with a velvety stout-spiked caramel that adds depth and a hint of bitterness to balance the sweetness.

So, in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, I’m bringing the best of Britain and Ireland together in this indulgent dessert.

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Irish Stout Caramel Sauce

• 170g (6oz) dates, chopped

• ¾ tsp bicarbonate of soda

• 85g (3 oz) unsalted butter, softened

• 140g (5oz) dark brown sugar

• 2 eggs (beaten)

• 170g (6oz) self-raising flour

• 2tsp of coffee in 177ml (6 fl oz) of boiling water (option to replace with black tea)

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Irish Stout Caramel Sauce:

• 100g unsalted butter

• 100g dark brown sugar

• 150ml Irish stout (Guinness or your favourite)

• 100ml double cream

• Pinch of sea salt

Method:

Prepare the dates: Place the chopped dates in a bowl and pour over the hot coffee. Stir in the bicarbonate of soda and let it soak for 10 minutes.

Make the pudding batter: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then fold in the flour and vanilla extract. Stir in the soaked dates along with any remaining liquid. If you have young fussy eaters who could be picky about textures of dates, blitz the soaked dates in a blender for a few seconds before adding to the cake mixture.

Bake: Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake at 180°C (160°C fan) for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. I use dariole moulds and smaller tins making it quicker to cook.

Make the Irish Stout Caramel Sauce: Pour the Irish stout into a small pan and let it reduce slightly for a few minutes until slightly syrupy. In a saucepan, melt the butter and sugar over medium heat until bubbling. Pour in the double cream and stir until smooth. Add the reduced stout and a pinch of sea salt. Cook for another minute.

Serve: Slice the warm sticky toffee pudding, drizzle generously with the Irish Stout Caramel Sauce, and enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

A Toast to St. Patrick’s Day

Whether you have Irish roots or not, St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration of culture, connection, and community. This year, as you raise a glass (or a spoonful of dessert), take a moment to appreciate the deeper meaning behind the day—the stories, the traditions, and the spirit of a people who have left their mark all over the world.

So, here’s to good food, great company, and the warmth of Irish hospitality. Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh—Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

About Yemi: 

Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in the 2022 series of BBC TV’s Masterchef competition.

Every Saturday Yemi writes on the Stray Ferret about her love of the area’s food and shares cooking tips – please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe. Email on yemibydesign7@gmail.com