Wearing of the green, parades and special masses are all part of traditional St. Patrick’s celebrations in Newfoundland and Labrador, but Heritage NL has just recorded a video of one sweet tradition that, for some people, may not be as familiar.
Andrea O’Brien of Cape Broyle says in her hometown, one St. Patrick’s tradition was to make molasses candy.
St. Patrick’s Day falls within Lent, a solemn period leading up to Easter when most Catholics practice fasting and forego things like sweets and rich foods. She says in some Irish communities, people were allowed a “free day” to help celebrate the Patron Saint of Ireland.
She and her mom put together a video to be released March 17 on the Heritage NL Facebook page on how to make it.
O’Brien jokes that the candy tastes nothing like molasses candy many may remember from Hallowe’en. Instead she says it’s buttery and sweet and tastes great.
A sneak peak of our molasses candy video filmed today with Dot O’Brien of Cape Broyle. Dot walks Lara Maynard of Heritage NL through the recipe from start to finish and discusses its connection to St. Patrick’s Day ☘️ stay tuned for the full post next week! #FoodwaysFriday pic.twitter.com/wdYDO9gh9G
— Heritage NL (@hfnlca) March 11, 2022
