My Aunt Mary Hamilton passed on to the Lord last Spring. May she rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon her. She wrote a memoir 15 years ago, which is available at this link:
It Only Happens Now and Then
Here is the description:
“Remembrances of Mary P. Hamilton about growing up in an Irish emigrant family in Brooklyn, New York, during the 1940s and 1950s and her subsequent marriage and family life in Montclair, New Jersey.”
The title was from a poem my poet Uncle Jimmy (her husband) wrote. It is a charming book about growing up Irish Catholic and living life in the New York area. There is important history here, which I am so happy she took the time to record. Mary was always kind and elegant, with high standards. Her home was a joy to visit. If you read the book, please let me know and I would love to hear your comments.
In the back of the book, she gives her Irish Soda Bread recipe! I made it last year and it was superb, much better than store-bought. I plan to make it again on Tuesday. Aunt Mary got this recipe from her Aunt Peggy, born in Longford, Ireland, so it is traditional and authentic. It is bready and lighter than usual soda breads, not too sweet. Here it is (note dough is sticky and a bit hard to work with, but worth the effort)…let me know if you make it!
Have a blessed Saint Patrick’s Day. Saint Patrick, ora pro nobis!