The 3rd day of Yule, Lá an Chumainn (Day of Kinship), celebrates the bonds of family and friendship. The menu focuses on comforting and communal dishes that encourage sharing and connection around the table.
Recipes for Lá an Chumainn
Lemon and Herb Roast Chicken
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
1 lemon, halved
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Rinse the chicken and pat it dry. Season the cavity and outside with salt and pepper.
Stuff the cavity with half the lemon and a sprig of thyme.
Mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and juice from the other half of the lemon in a small bowl. Rub this mixture all over the chicken.
Roast the chicken in a roasting pan for 1 hour and 20 minutes, basting with pan juices every 20 minutes. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Honey-Glazed Carrots
Ingredients:
1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or rounds
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the carrots for 5-7 minutes, until just tender. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the honey and stir until combined.
Toss the cooked carrots into the skillet and stir to coat them in the glaze. Sprinkle with cinnamon if using, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until glossy and heated through.
Fried Bannocks with Cranberry Butter
Ingredients for Bannocks:
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter, melted
1/3 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
Oil or butter for frying
Ingredients for Cranberry Butter:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tbsp cranberry sauce or fresh cranberries blended with a bit of honey
Instructions for Bannocks:
In a bowl, mix the oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the melted butter and buttermilk until a soft dough forms.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into rounds or wedges.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and grease lightly with oil or butter. Fry the bannocks for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Instructions for Cranberry Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter and cranberry sauce until well combined. Serve alongside the bannocks.
Suggested Drink Pairing
Spiced Mulled Wine
Warm, spiced red wine with hints of cinnamon, clove, and orange. Perfect for toasting to the bonds of kinship and the warmth of the Yule season.
Ingredients:
1 bottle red wine
1 orange, sliced into rounds
2 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
2 tbsp honey or sugar (to taste)
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a large pot and heat gently over low heat. Do not let it boil.
Simmer for 20-30 minutes, then strain and serve warm.
Celebrate Lá an Chumainn with this comforting feast, gathering loved ones to share warmth, gratitude, and connection. May your Yule be filled with kinship and joy! 🌟