Celts and Kilts

This week we celebrated Johari’s birthday with some Irish flair, starting with a Gaelic Storm concert Thursday at the Minnesota Zoo amphitheater. If it’s possible, this band performs even better live - delivering reels and pub drinking tunes like “Don’t go for the One” and my new favorite ballad: “The Night I Punched Russell Crowe in the Head” that bring a sense of camaraderie and evoke audience participation.



True showmen (and woman) they played over two and half hours fueled only by whiskey and Guinness, forgoing intermission with the threat of an oncoming storm. The weather held and we were treated with a three song encore before the band left the stage - to sign autographs and meet the crowd.



The Irish themed weekend continued at the St Paul Irish Fair of Minnesota, featuring a number of musical acts, step dancers, loom weavers, and among other things, an actual border collie sheep herding demonstration.

In addition to the festivities, there were plenty of contests including a "best legs in a kilt" and a Soda Bread and Scone baking competition which I encouraged Johari to enter - for somewhat selfish purposes, as her primary taste tester.



She’s never made scones before, so she played around the kitchen for the past few weeks concocting a number of different recipes from fruity scones like the citrus bursting Peach-Lemon, to the rich and hearty Oatmeal Stout (featuring chocolate, oatmeal, coffee and of course - beer).



In the end, she settled on Apricot Ginger, a decision which combined with her form and technique wooed the Judges, including a Master Baker...

Number of baking competitions Johari has entered: 1

Number of baking competitions Johari came in first place: 1

You can read more about it on her blog, though she fails to mention the gaggle of older ladies who were eyeing her scones with envy and curiosity. The head Judge suggested framing the ribbon - noting that he’s known people who have gone twenty years without earning the best of show prize.

Of course this is just the beginning, Johari will have to defend her title next year - which means the house will be filled with the scent of fresh baked goodness for months to come!