However, there is one big issue which the Irish must live with, and like everyone else,can do nothing about. The weather! Irish summers are notorious for their unpredictability.For example in April we had temperature in the late twenties, it is now mid July and we have had 58 consecutive days with rain. When I say rain I mean almost incessant rain. Rain is a constant threat.The Irish have learned to live with it and continue with their plans for the summer irrespective. This includes the Irish Food that is eaten during the summer.Sunshine or rain the show must go on and one of the stars of Irish Food is the crab.

Crabs exist in abundance around the Irish coast and have always played a part in Irish cuisine.Crab can be a luxurious yet inexpensive meal, suitable for a starter or as a main meal.

Wet summer or not,the following Real Irish Food Recipe is well worth trying. This recipe is from a highly regarded seafood restaurant The King Sitric Fish Restaurant in Howth,Co. Dublin.

Smoked Salmon and Crab Roulade

INGREDIENTS

225g/8oz crabmeat,bought prepared or freshly cooked.

2 teaspoons of Horseradish Sauce.

4 tablespoons of natural yoghurt.

Nutmeg and freshly ground Black Pepper.

8 slices of smoked Salmon,wild or organic.

METHOD

1. Mix the crabmeat,horseradish,yoghurt and seasoning.

2. Lay the smoked Salmon on a sheet of cling film and spread with the crabmeat.

3. Roll as tightly as possible,using the cling film as a guide. Leave to chill for at least four hours.

4. Slice and serve with some mixed lettuce leaves and drizzle with a little Olive oil or Balsamic vinegar.

There you have it, Real Irish Food for a real Irish summer and any other summer you care to mention.