St. Patrick’s Day caught me off guard this year, so it’s a bit of a low-key celebration.

I did try a new Irish Soda Bread Scone recipe from Martha Stewart, however. I didn’t have the larger ice cream scoop that she uses in the recipe, so mine turned out a wee bit flatter and darker. Not my best effort, but they still tasted wonderful. I like this recipe and will make it again for sure.

Of course I used my Claddagh teapot, mug, and cake stand from Belleek Irish pottery. The Claddagh symbol consists of two hands holding a heart, topped with a crown. It represents love (the heart), friendship (the hands), and loyalty (the crown).

I had some Irish Breakfast Tea from Teas by Milly that was given to me as gift. The tea provided a nice balance to the savory caraway seeds in the scones.

May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks,
May your heart be as light as a song,
May each day bring you bright, happy hours,
That stay with you all the year long.

— Irish Blessing

Sláinte!