Larded Onions

Traditionally, the Irish aren’t big snackers. As an agrarian society, the day was punctuated by a large breakfast, a big midday dinner, and a lighter evening supper, or “tea,” as the evening meal is still known in many homes. Add in the religious element with its various times for fasting and strictures on what could be eaten during which times, and you get some pretty strong food habits that do not include a lot of eating outside of mealtimes. Times have changed, certainly; when I was a child, we were never given food when it wasn’t mealtime, whereas my own children sometimes seem to have more snacks than meals! And yet, there are smaller bites that are traditionally Irish, whether they form the basis of a light meal or a hasty nibble before going out to the pub or after coming home. Some, such as Potted Shrimp, can also serve as an elegant starter to a heavier meal, perhaps served with toast points; but if you slather it on a thick slab of buttered bread, it’s a great midnight snack. In general, however, we like our sandwiches simple and thin. They’re no less savory and delicious for that.