Mashed Potatoes with Cabbage (Colcannon)

The Irish have many versions of this dish. On Halloween a ring or coin may be added to the mixture, forecasting good luck for the guests who is served the portion containing the prize. This would also be a great dish if you wish to serve a bit of Irish on Saint Patrick's Day.

6 servings

6 medium potatoes (2 pounds)
1/2 small head cabbage
6 scallions (with tops, chopped
1/4 cup water
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/3 to 1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup margarine or butter, softened
1 teaspoon salt
Dash pepper
Margarine or butter

Heat 1 inch salted water (1/2 teaspoon salt to 1 cup boiling . Add potatoes. Heat to boiling reduce heat. Cover and cook until tender, 30 to 35 minutes; drain. Heat cabbage, scallions, water and 1/8 teaspoon salt to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer until crisp-tender, 5 to 10 minutes; drain.

Mash potatoes until no lumps remain. Beat in milk in small amounts. Add 1/4 cup margarine, 1 teaspoon salt and the pepper, beat until potatoes are light and fluffy, Stir in cabbage and scallions; dot with margarine.