My son Steve celebrates his birthday along with the Irish—on St. Patrick’s Day. Here is recipe from my files; one I used to serve at his family party when he was a wee lad. You can make the dish a day ahead and refrigerate overnight.

Because daughter Laura adores pigs and won’t eat any pork products, I no longer make this recipe. I respect her passion, but admit, I’m craving a bite. I hope you make this casserole and enjoy.

Cabbage Casserole

From Marlene Sorosky’s Year-Round Holiday Cookbook

Ingredients

• 3 heads cabbage (approximately 4 pounds total weight)
• 1 pound bacon, chopped into 1” pieces
• ¾ cup chicken broth
• Three 10-ounce packages frozen French-style green beans
• 2 envelopes dry onion soup mix
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• Salt- if needed

Directions

1. Cut cabbage into thin slices; do not shred. Set aside.
2. In large skillet, fry bacon over moderate heat; stirring occasionally, until crisp.
3. Remove bacon to paper towel and pour dripping into a measuring cup. Reserve 1/3 cup drippings.
4. Pour chicken broth into skillet.
5. Bring to a boil; add green beans, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until beans are thawed.
6. Add cabbage, onion soup mix, and 1/3 cup bacon drippings.
7. Stir well, cover and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes or until cabbage is cooked but still crisp.
8. Stir in bacon and pepper.
9. Turn into a 9 by 13” casserole.

At this point you may refrigerate the casserole overnight.

Before serving, bring to room temperature. Cover casserole and bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

This recipe serves 16. If making only half, use 2 packages of green beans.