Tomorrow is Irish Pride day. In honor, here is a recipe for Colcannon. It is the ultimate Irish side dish. This is my bastardized version, but I'm Irish, so that counts, right?

1/2 head cabbage, chopped (I've heard kale or dark cabbage works best, but I haven't tried it)
3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
4 carrots, chopped
1 large parsnip (or two small ones), chopped
1/2 pound bacon, cooked to a crisp and chopped
1 stick butter
half and half, as needed for desired consistency
salt and white pepper to taste

Boil the cabbage in salted water until it is tender (but not mushy). Drain well and keep warm. Boil the remaining vegetables in salted water for 20 minutes. Drain well. Melt the butter over medium heat. Add about four ounces of half and half. Heat until warm. Add potatoes, carrots and parsnip. Mash well. Add bacon, cabbage and seasoning. Add more half/half as needed.