Showing posts with label Irish. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Irish. Show all posts

Saturday, March 16, 2019

Baileys Cream Puffs - St. Paddy & St. Joe Combo Treat

The feasts of St. Patrick and St. Joseph share a week in mid-March. Since they are just days apart how about a treat that combines elements of cultural symbolism of each. The cream puff - an Italian pastry sfingi, is a typical St. Joseph treat. But this variation on the traditional cream puff gets an extra kick from the addition of Baileys Irish Cream, a tribute the land of St. Patrick.


Baileys Cream Puffs

Ingredients:
Pastry puffs
3/4 cup water
6 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 cup flour
3 eggs
1 egg for egg wash

Baileys cream filling
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 Tbsp Baileys Irish cream
1 Tbsp  granulated sugar

Chocolate
1/3 cup hot fudge topping
1 Tbsp Baileys Irish cream

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Pastry
Combine butter, sugar, and water in medium sauce pan over medium heat. Bring it to boil, while stirring slowly, and take off heat. Add flour and stir until all combined and coming off the walls of the pan easily.  Whisk in eggs, one at a time, making sure that each egg is mixed into the batter before adding another.  Transfer batter into a piping bag and pipe little round mounts, about 1 ½ inches in diameter.  For egg wash, beat 1 egg in a separate little mixing bowl and brush pastries with egg wash before baking.  Bake pastries at 425 for 12-15 minutes then lower the heat to 350 and bake for another 10 minutes, until golden brown. Let pastries cool completely before adding the filling.

Baileys cream filling
Add the cold heavy whipping cream into the cold mixing bowl. Starting at low speed, start whisking, gradually raise to speed to high. Slowly pour in the sugar and then Baileys. Beat until stiff peaks appear (don't walk away far). Keep in the refrigerator until ready to use. Transfer whipped cream into a piping bag. Cut cooled pastries in the middle and fill them with whipped cream.

Chocolate
Heat up hot fudge topping and whisk it with Bailey's until completely combined. Cool before using so it doesn't melt the whipped cream.  Once cooled, drizzle filled cream puffs with chocolate sauce.

St. Patrick, Pray for us.
St. Joseph, Pray for us. 


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Thursday, February 1, 2018

Saint Brigid's Lake of Beer


Lake of Beer

I should like a great lake of beer for the King of Kings.
I should like the angels of Heaven to be drinking it through time eternal.
I should like excellent meats of belief and pure piety.
I should like the men of Heaven at my house.
I should like barrels of peace at their disposal.
I should like for them cellars of mercy.
I should like cheerfulness to be their drinking.
I should like Jesus to be there among them.
I should like the three Marys of illustrious renown to be with us.
I should like the people of Heaven, the poor, to be gathered around from all parts.

Happy feast of St. Brigid of Ireland! 

This picture was from our 2015 All Saints Party. You can find recipes and ideas for celebrating the feast of St. Brigid in the archives here at Catholic Cuisine and over at Shower of Roses.

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Tuesday, March 14, 2017

St. Patrick’s Day Potato


The St. Patrick’s Day Potato from See’s Candies is a fun treat for the feast of this great Irish saint! According to the ingredient list, the “dirt” is actually cocoa powder and cinnamon, the white “potato” inside is delicious nougat with walnuts, and it’s topped with a few pine nuts representing the “eyes of the potato.”


Pick them up at the store if you have one in your area or order them online while you can
Only available seasonally!


These photos were from last year's celebration. You can find links to our St. Patrick from Naturally Catholic (pictured above) and the free printables for our Blessed Trinity Shamrock "Glory Be" Prayer Poster over at Shower of Roses. Scroll through all St. Patrick's Day posts here

Find additional recipes for St. Patrick's Day in the archives here at Catholic Cuisine!

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Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Pesto Tortellini Shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day


Looking for an easy and cute lunch idea for St. Patrick's Day. Using frozen tortellini, jarred pesto, and a broccoli stem you can make these fun edible shamrocks.  I had a tri-color package so used both the green and white ones.  You can use a variety of veggies for the stem - broccoli, green bean, celery.

St. Patrick, Pray for us!

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Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Celtic Knot Graham Cookies


This graham flour cookie is a festive treat for St. Patrick's Day or any other Irish saint feast day tea party. 

Celtic Knot Graham Cookies


Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups graham flour
3 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Sift flours, baking soda and salt into large bowl.  Beat butter in another large bowl at medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.  Add brown sugar and beat together. Add molasses and beat until fluffy.  Add egg and beat until well blended.  Reduce speed to low and add vanilla.  Add flour mixture and graham cracker crumbs and beat on low speed just to blend.

Wrap ball of dough in plastic wrap.  Chill until firm, at least 4 hours and preferably overnight.
Sprinkle work surface with flour and roll out 1/2 of dough. Refrigerate unused portion.

Roll lengths of dough into ropes and, working on a parchment-lined baking sheet, twist them into knots as shown.  I printed out a 3 inch celtic knot clipart to use as a template and place under the parchment paper. 





Bake in pre-heated oven (350° F) for 8-12 minutes.  Let cool on pan until firm enough to transfer to wire racks. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cool completely.  Makes about 2 dozen, 3-inch knot cookies.


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Friday, January 30, 2015

Guinness Caramelized Onion & Irish Cheddar Quiche


We celebrate the feast of St. Brigid of Kildare, 5th century Irish saint, on February 1.  Our family has had chickens almost two years now and I really enjoy having the fresh eggs readily available in our kitchen. I recently learned that St. Brigid, in addition to being a patron of Ireland, is also the patron of poultry farmers. So as "poultry farmers" I thought it would be nice to find an egg dish to celebrate our patron's feast day and found this great recipe chock full of Irish ingredients - Guinness, potato, kale, Irish cheddar.  The Guinness caramelized onions add a tasty zing to this egg abundant dish.  Great for a breakfast or brunch on her feast day or that of other Irish saints. 



Guinness Caramelized Onion & Irish Cheddar Quiche

Ingredients:


1 cup Irish cheddar, grated
1/2 large onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup Guinness beer
1 cup spinach, chopped  (or combo spinach and kale)
1 small potato, diced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 eggs
1/2 cup milk
extra virgin olive oil or cooking spray to coat pans


Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  Saute onions over medium heat in olive oil and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.  Pour Guinness into the pan, stir and cover.  Let cook for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.  Place diced potatoes in another greased pan, and cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes. 

In bowl, beat eggs then add milk and mix.  Add cheese, onions, potatoes, spinach (& kale optional), salt and pepper.  Mix together and pour into greased round baking dish or quiche pan. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. 


For past St. Brigid day recipes that recognize another of her patronages - dairy farmers - check out these bread recipes, with include buttermilk. Traditional Irish Soda Bread  and St. Brigid's Oaten Bread



St. Brigid, Pray for us!


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Sunday, March 16, 2014

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner

The following St. Patrick's Day Dinner menu and recipes were submitted by Kathryn Zamudio, and the photos were taken by her husband Miguel. 



St. Patrick’s Day Dinner

Irish Cheddar and Stout
Pot of Gold Soup
Emerald Isle Salad
Corned Beef
Whiskey Glazed Carrots
Champ
Irish Oatmeal-Rye Soda Bread
Shamrock Rolls
Irish Whiskey Parfaits
Chocolate Irish Whiskey Cake
Pistachio Cake

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Irish Cheddar and Stout

2 cups 1- to 1 1/2-inch-diameter red-skinned potatoes, halved
2 cups cauliflower florets
2 cups very small brussels sprouts
2 apples, cored, cut into wedges
1 pound Irish cheddar cheese, grated
2 1/2 tablespoons all purpose flour
3/4 cup (or more) Irish stout (such as Guinness)
6 tablespoons frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Steam all vegetables until tender, about 15 minutes. Arrange vegetables and apples around edge of large platter.
Meanwhile, toss cheese with flour in large bowl. Bring 3/4 cup stout, juice concentrate, and mustard to simmer in large saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add cheese mixture, stirring constantly, until cheese is melted and smooth, thinning with more stout, if desired. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer fondue to bowl. Place in center of platter with vegetables.

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Pot of Gold Soup

2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, finely chopped
3 medium apples
2 medium butternut squashes (about 3 pounds)
1 cup apple juice or cider
3 cups chicken stock
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
Salt and pepper

Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add the chopped onion and saute until soft and translucent. Remove the onion from the heat.
Now set your kids to work peeling the apples while you peel, seed, and chop the squash. Core and chop the peeled apples.
Add the apples, squash, juice or cider, and chicken stock to the onions and bring to a boil. Then lower the heat and simmer partially covered for 25 minutes.
Add the brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt and pepper. Puree the soup, reheat, and serve. Makes 6 to 8 servings.


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Emerald Isle Molded Salad

3 oz. pkg. lime Jello
1 c. boiling water
9 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained (save)
Juice from pineapple
1 c. sm. curd cottage cheese
1/2 c. whipping cream, whipped
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Add pineapple juice. Chill until slightly thickened. Beat until frothy. Fold in remaining ingredients. Chill until firm in a 1 quart or 1 1/2 quart Pyrex bowl, mold or rectangular baking dish.


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Guinness Glazed Slow Cooker Corned Beef

1 3-5 pound corned beef
pickling spices*
1 bottle/can (12+ ounces) Guinness or other Irish stout
1 small onion, sliced
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons grainy mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper to taste

Place the corned beef along with the pickling spices, onion and garlic in a slow cooker/crock-pot, top with the Guinness and cook on low until fork tender, about 8-10 hours.

Set the corned beef aside, strain the solids from the Guinness and juices, place the liquid into a large sauce pan, add the brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper, bring to a boil reduce the heat and simmer to reduce by half, about 15-20 minutes.

Cut the fat layer from the corned beef, glaze with the Guinness glaze and bake in a preheated 400F oven until the glaze starts bubbling, about 10-15 minutes.

*if you don’t have a seasoning package combine
16 cups cold water
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons black peppercorns
4 whole allspice berries
2 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick, broken into several pieces
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
8 whole cloves
8 whole allspice berries
12 whole juniper berries
2 bay leaves, crumbled


Carrots with Marmalade-Whiskey Glaze

Nonstick vegetable oil spray
1 cup sweet orange marmalade
1/2 cup Irish whiskey
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
12 carrots, peeled, halved lengthwise
Fresh parsley sprigs

Preheat oven to 425°F. Coat large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray. Boil next 3 ingredients in saucepan until reduced to generous 3/4 cup, stirring often, about 7 minutes. Mix in 1 tablespoon mustard.

Toss carrots and 1/4 cup glaze in large bowl to coat. Sprinkle carrots with salt and pepper. Roast until carrots are tender, brushing occasionally with more glaze, about 35 minutes. Transfer to platter, garnish with parsley.

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Champ (Mashed Potatoes)

6 -8 unpeeled potatoes
1 bunch green onion
1 1/2 cups milk
4 -8 tablespoons butter
salt & pepper

Finely chop the green onions (white& green tops) and mix with the cold milk.
Bring slowly to a boil and simmer 3-4 minutes, turn off the heat and leave to infuse.

Peel and mash the cooked potatoes and while still hot mix with the boiled milk & green onions. Beat in some of the butter. Season with salt & pepper. Put a knob of butter on top& serve.

You can do this recipe ahead and reheat in a 350F oven, covered with foil until hot (apprx 30 minutes).


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Shamrock Rolls
½ cup scalded milk
¼ cup butter
2 Tbsp sugar
1 ½ tsp salt
½ cup warm water
1 pkg yeast
1 egg
3 cups sifted flour

Combine milk, butter, sugar and salt. Add water. then add yeast (dissolved according to package directions). Mix well. Blend in the egg. Gradually add flour. Mix until dough is well blended and soft. Shape dough into small balls on a well-floured board. Place 3 balls in a greased muffin tin cup. Let rise about 1 ½ to 2 hours in a warm place or until double in bulk.

Brush with melted butter.

Bake in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until done.

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Irish Oatmeal-Rye Soda Bread with Herbs and Walnuts

Nonstick vegetable oil spray
2 ½ cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup oatmeal
1 cup rye flour
5 tablespoons sugar, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3 tablespoons butter, chilled, cut into cubes
1 cup buttermilk
3 tsp chopped fresh thyme
3 Tbsp chopped fresh chives
1 cup toasted walnuts.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray 8-inch-diameter cake pan with nonstick spray. Whisk flour, 4 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in large bowl to blend. Add butter. Using fingertips, rub in until coarse meal forms. Make well in center of flour mixture. Add buttermilk. Gradually stir dry ingredients into milk to blend. Mix in raisins.
Using floured hands, shape dough into ball. Transfer to prepared pan and flatten slightly (dough will not come to edges of pan). Sprinkle dough with remaining 1 tablespoon sugar.
Bake bread until brown and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Cool bread in pan 10 minutes. Transfer to rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.


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Pistachio Cake

1 16 oz white cake mix
1 3 oz pkg pistachio instant pudding ¾ cup cold water
¾ cup cooking oil
4 eggs
2 tsp almond extract

Stir cake mix with pudding. Add 1 tsp almond extract. Add water and oil to the mix. Then add extract. Add the eggs, one at a time, using low speed of mixer. Beat 5 minutes. Grease a large angel food cake or bundt pan. Bake at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes. Cool, then remove from pan.



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Oatmeal Lace Cookies

½ cup butter, softened
¾ cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1⅓ cups roalled oats (oatmeal)
⅛ teaspoon salt
Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce
¾ cup heavy cream
¼ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon sugar

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl beat butter and sugar to combine. Add vanilla, beating to combine.
Add oatmeal and salt, mixing to combine.
Drop cookies by level teaspoon on baking sheet, 3-inches apart. Bake 8 minutes or until lacy and flat. Let cool on rack about 3 minutes until just firm. Move to rack to cool completely.
Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce: Whisk heavy cream, sour cream and sugar together until light and holds a soft peak.

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Happy St. Patrick's Day! 

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St. Patrick’s Day Brunch

The following St. Patrick's Day Brunch menu and recipes were submitted by Kathryn Zamudio, and the photos were taken by her husband Miguel. 


St. Patrick’s Day Brunch

Corned Beef Hash with Shamrock Eggs
Irish Brown Bread
Irish Soda Bread w/ Raisins
Mustard Green and Sweet Onion Quiche
Colcannon Cakes with Smoked Salmon
Cottage Pie
Irish Coffee

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Corned Beef Hash with Shamrock Eggs

2 russet (baking) potatoes (about 1 pound)
1 large onion, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
1 green bell pepper, chopped coarse
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
3/4 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons horseradish
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 pound cooked corned beef cut into 3/4-inch cubes (about 2 cups)
shamrock eggs as an accompaniment

Peel potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch dice. Add potatoes to a large saucepan of boiling water and boil 6 minutes, or until just tender. Drain.
In a large non-stick skillet cook onion and garlic in butter over moderate heat, stirring, until onion is golden.

Add bell pepper and cook, stirring, 5 minutes. Sprinkle flour over mixture and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Stir in broth, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce and simmer, stirring, 2 minutes. Add corned beef, potatoes, and salt and pepper to taste and cook over moderate heat, turning hash, until browned and crisp, about 15 minutes.

Serve hash with Shamrock eggs.


Shamrock Eggs
(Note: Adapted from the Shamrock Eggs in the Archives.)

1 green bell pepper
4-6 eggs
butter
water
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Slice the pepper into 4-6 rings.

Remove the seeds and other guts.

Heat butter in a pan set on medium-low-ish heat.
Drop the pepper rings, heretofore known as shamrocks, into the pan.
Crack an egg into a bowl and pour it gently into a shamrock. Repeat for each shamrock, or crack the eggs straight into the shamrocks.

Drop a couple tablespoons of water into the pan and cover immediately to trap in the steam. If you have a glass cover, watch for the eggs to firm up, or just lift the cover and peek after about 3-5 minutes. This will create the perfect sunny-side up eggs.



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Irish Brown Bread

2 cups whole-wheat flour
2 cups all-purpose flour plus additional for kneading
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 stick (1/2 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 cups well-shaken buttermilk

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 400°F. Butter a 9- by 2-inch round cake pan.

Whisk together flours, wheat germ, salt, sugar, baking soda, and cream of tartar in a large bowl until combined well. Blend in butter with a pastry blender or your fingertips until mixture resembles coarse meal. Make a well in center and add buttermilk, stirring until a dough forms. Gently knead on a floured surface, adding just enough more flour to keep dough from sticking, until smooth, about 3 minutes.

Transfer dough to cake pan and flatten to fill pan. With a sharp knife, cut an X (1/2 inch deep) across top of dough (5 inches long). Bake until loaf is lightly browned and sounds hollow when bottom is tapped, 30 to 40 minutes. Cool in pan on a rack 10 minutes, then turn out onto rack and cool, right side up, about 1 hour.

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Mustard Green and Sweet Onion Quiche

Pie crust

2 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 small onion, chopped 

3 large eggs 

1/2 cup heavy cream 

1 teaspoon dried basil 

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

1 1/2 pounds mustard greens, stems discarded and leaves coarsely chopped
1cup aged white cheddar, shredded
cayenne, salt and pepper to taste

Place pie crust in shamrock pan* on baking sheet.

Over medium heat, saute bacon and onion in a small skillet until bacon is crisp and onion is golden. Saute greens. Whisk eggs, cream, and spices in mixing bowl..

Stir greens and the bacon mixture into the egg mixture. Spread evenly in the prepared crust and place pan on a baking sheet. Spread with cheese.

Bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Serve immediately.

Note: Shamrock pan can be made from disposable aluminum mini cake pans. Bend pans to look like shamrock leaves. Then cut ends, so you can put three of the pans together. Cut the sides down to 1½ inches. Tape the three pans together. Place pan on a cookie sheet, since it will be unstable.



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Colcannon Cakes with Smoked Salmon

3 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled and boiled until tender
6 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 1/2 cups cooked chopped kale (spinach or other greens would also work)
1 large egg
1 cup all purpose flour
Coconut oil or vegetable oil, for frying
For serving: sour cream, smoked salmon

Mash the boiled potatoes with butter and cream until smooth. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Mix in the cooked kale or greens and the egg, stirring to evenly distribute. Cover and let chill in refrigerator at least one hour or overnight.

When ready to cook, place flour in a shallow dish and season with salt and pepper. Use your hands to shape the chilled potato mixture into round patties, and pat into the flour, coating on all sides. Repeat with rest of potato mixture.

Coat a heavy nonstick skillet with a layer of oil and heat over medium-high heat. Fry the patties in batches, 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and heated through. Don’t be impatient. Let them brown. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

To serve, top each cake with a dollop of sour cream and a piece of smoked salmon. Make about 10 cakes, depending on size.


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Irish Soda Bread with Raisins

Nonstick vegetable oil spray
2 cups all purpose flour
5 tablespoons sugar, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3 tablespoons butter, chilled, cut into cubes
1 cup buttermilk
2/3 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray 8-inch-diameter cake pan with nonstick spray. Whisk flour, 4 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in large bowl to blend. Add butter. Using fingertips, rub in until coarse meal forms. Make well in center of flour mixture. Add buttermilk. Gradually stir dry ingredients into milk to blend. Mix in raisins.

Using floured hands, shape dough into ball. Transfer to prepared pan and flatten slightly (dough will not come to edges of pan). Sprinkle dough with remaining 1 tablespoon sugar.

Bake bread until brown and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Cool bread in pan 10 minutes. Transfer to rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.


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Cottage Pie

For the filling:
2 tablespoons butter
1 large yellow onions, diced
3 large carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 pounds ground lamb
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups beef stock
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
1 cup frozen peas
1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley

For the mashed potatoes:
2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled
kosher salt
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
black pepper
2 egg yolks

Prepare the filling:
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions, carrots, and celery and sautee for 5 minutes, until the onions are transluscent. Add the garlic and lamb and cook until all the meat is browned. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, then sprinkle with the flour and stir to coat. Pour int the beef stock, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and add the fresh rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and let cook for about 15 minutes until sauce thickens. Remove the rosemary sprigs and stir in the frozen peas and fresh parsley. Season to taste with kosher salt and pepper. Then remove from heat and let cool completely (can be chilled in fridge overnight).

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Prepare the mashed potatoes: Cut potatoes into large chunks and combine in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil then lower heat and let cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely tender. Turn off heat, drain immediately, then return potatoes to the pot to rest for 10 minutes (this will help them dry out a bit). Use a potato ricer or masher to mash the potatoes right in the pot. Add the milk, cream, and butter, and continue to stir and mash until completely smooth. Season to taste with salt and black pepper, then let cool completely (can be chilled in fridge overnight).

Place filling in dish. Top with mashed potatoes, sealing around edges to prevent mixture from bubbling up. Smooth over wit rubber spatula to make it airtight. Place in middle rack of of oven and bake until potatoes begin to brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove and cool for at least 10 minutes.


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Irish Coffee

boiling water
hot coffee
1 tsp brown sugar
1 ½ oz irish whiskey
¼ cup heave cream, lightly beaten

Fill large coffee cup with boiling water to preheat it. Let stand for 1 minute, then empty cup.

Fill cup three quarters full with hot coffee. Add sugar, then stir until dissolved. Stir in whiskey.

Top the coffee-whiskey blend with lightly whipped cream. (Hold an overturned spoon over the coffee, then slowly pour the cream over it).


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St. Patrick, pray for us!

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Friday, February 1, 2013

Traditional Irish Soda Bread

For the Feast of St. Brigid today or the Feast of St. Patrick later or any of our wonderful Irish saints. This recipe is so easy, I usually have it ready to go in the pan before the oven has finished preheating!


White Soda Bread

4 cups (16 oz) of all purpose flour.
1 Teaspoon baking soda
1 Teaspoon salt
14 oz of buttermilk

Preheat the oven to 425 F. degrees.  Lightly grease a 2 inch tall cake pan or use a Dutch oven. In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. I like to give it a good mix with a mixing spoon. Add the buttermilk to form a sticky dough.  Place on floured surface and lightly knead. DOn't get heavy handed with it! Too much kneading and the gas escapes making your bread heavy and thick like a brick. Shape into a round flat shape in a round cake pan and cut a cross in the top of the dough.


Cover the pan with another pan and bake for 30 minutes (this simulates the bastible pot) if you aren't using a Dutch oven.


Remove cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes. It turns out a delicious, rugged crunchy outside but a soft, melt in your mouth inside. The bottom of the bread will have a hollow sound when tapped so show it is done. Cover the bread in a tea towel and lightly sprinkle water on the cloth to keep the bread moist. Slice it thick while it's still warm or let it cool completely and you can slice it thinner. Don't forget the butter!

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Thursday, March 17, 2011

An Irish Flag Veggie Tray


The last couple years, inspired by Charlotte, our family has enjoyed an Irish Flag Veggie Tray on the feast of St. Patrick!

There are a number of various vegetables you can use to make the Flag.   Charlotte uses Celery, Cauliflower with Ranch, and Baby Carrots.   Last year we used Cucumbers, Cheese and Carrots and this year we opted for Snap Peas (since my children will not eat celery), Cauliflower with Ranch, and (once again) Carrots.    It is such a fun and easy way to tie in some healthy snacks on this great feast day!

St. Patrick, Patron of Ireland, Pray for us! 

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Tuesday, March 15, 2011

"Hills of Ireland" Sundaes

Hills of Ireland Sundaes

These little dessert treats are a fast and simple idea for St. Patrick's Day or any Irish Feast.  We named them "Hills of Ireland" because we used Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.  The color green with the dark chunks of chocolate reminded us of the hills of Ireland that we saw in the St. Patrick movie.  The hills were very green with many dark rocks scattered about.  The whipped cream reminded us of the clouds and fog that often hover over Ireland as well.  We added shamrock sugar cookies and sprinkles in honor of St. Patrick's teaching of the trinity.
Ingredients:
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Whipped Cream
Sprinkles
Sugar cookies
(Green plastic cups for St. Patrick's Day)
found at the Dollar Tree

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Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Saint Brigid Vegetable Soup

This post was written by past Catholic Cuisine contributor Amy.



Saint Brigid snuck up on me this year! I was already making chicken stock for soup for tonight, so I decided to do some research on how to make my broth Irish! Searching online I found one reviewer on All Recipes say how to make an authentic Irish vegetable soup.

She explained that it always starts with homemade stock (beef or chicken). You add desired vegetables already chopped. I will use onions, carrots, celery, and some red peppers (you know what ever was in the fridge!). Simmer till vegetables are tender.

I know what you are thinking… if it is Irish there has to be a potato in it, right? Right!

When the soup is served, you place a whole boiled potato in the bowl and pour the soup over it!

This is a great, quick, option for dinner tonight on the Feast of Saint Brigid! Serve with warm homemade bread for a not so quick option! There are many Irish Soda Breads around, too, including Barbara’s right here.



Also, don't forget to serve some Irish beer with dinner (for those of age, of course!).

St. Brigid’s Prayer

I’d like to give a lake of beer to God.

I’d love the Heavenly

Host to be tippling there

For all eternity.

I’d love the men of Heaven to live with me,

To dance and sing.

If they wanted, I’d put at their disposal

Vats of suffering.

White cups of love 
I’d give them,

With a heart and a half;

Sweet pitchers of mercy I’d offer

To every man.

I’d make Heaven a cheerful spot,

Because the happy heart is true.

I’d make the men contented for their own sake

I’d like Jesus to love me too.

I’d like the people of heaven to gather

From all the parishes around,

I’d give a special welcome to the women,

The three Marys of great renown.

I’d sit with the men, the women of God

There by the lake of beer

We’d be drinking good health forever

And every drop would be a prayer.

God Bless and Happy Feast of Saint Brigid!
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Monday, January 31, 2011

St. Brigid's Oaten Bread from Ireland


Last year, on the feast of St. Brigid, my family enjoyed the delicious St. Brigid's Bread found in the archives.  Another option for her feast day is this authentic Irish recipe for St. Brigid's Oaten Bread, from Travel Ireland at About.com:

"Saint Brigid was known to travel the countryside, blessing households as she went ... accompanied by a white cow with red ears. You should make her feel welcome, just in case she passes by - placing bread and fresh butter on the outside windowsill, together with corn for the cow, usually does the trick. Also remember to lay out some rushes for her. These are to kneel on while blessing the household.

One was also advised to make fresh butter for Saint Brigid’s Day , maybe not a practical idea in modern times. You might, however, be willing to prepare a special dinner for Saint Brigid’s Eve. And remember that Saint Brigid’s Day was also a day for those who have to give food to those who haven‘t.

In many regions a special oat bread was baked for Saint Brigid’s Day - Saint Brigid’s Bread.  [You’ll find the recipe below] – but remember that ideally this should have been blessed by a priest and then shared."

I made a loaf of this bread yesterday and it didn't last long! Next time I think I better double the recipe.

St. Brigid's Oaten Bread

Ingredients:

1 cup flour
1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter, in small pieces
3/4 cup uncooked oatmeal (old fashioned)
1 egg
1/2 cup buttermilk

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grease a baking sheet.

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl. Add butter bits and cut in with knife until mixture is crumbly. Add oats and mix well.

Beat the egg with the buttermilk in a separate bowl.

Make a "well" in the dry ingredients, then pour in the egg mixture and mix all with a fork until the crumbs hold together. Form the dough into a ball and knead (on a floured surface, about 20-25 times). Add flour if the mass is still too sticky to work with.

Form the doughball into 8-inch round and transfer it to the baking sheet.
Score a deep cross into the bread but do not cut through.

Bake for fifteeen to twenty minutes, or until medium brown and a tester comes out clean.


If you have children, don't forget to pull out a picture book (The Life of Saint Brigid: Abbess of KildareBrigid's Cloak with the study guide in Catholic Mosaic, or Saint Brigid and the Cows) to read to them.  While listening to her story, they can color Charlotte's beautiful St. Brigid Coloring Page while you enjoy a warm cup of Irish Tea.  At least that is what our family will be doing on her feast day this week! 


St. Brigid of Ireland, Pray for Us! 

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Sunday, January 30, 2011

Irish Potato Pancakes


The feast of St. Brigid of Ireland, Abbess of Kildare, is coming up on February 1st.

"To honor St. Brigid, you must turn to dairy products, for she is the patroness of dairy workers. Choose a recipe that calls for buttermilk and butter and, of course, the potato. Pancakes are the traditional food in almost every country for celebrations, and Ireland is no exception." 
~ The Cook's Blessing

I ended up having a few extra peeled potatoes this morning,  so I decided to test a recipe for "Irish Potato Pancakes" from a great little out-of-print cookbook by Demetria Taylor, The Cook's Blessing.  The pancakes were simple enough to make and loved by my whole family.

Irish Potato Pancakes

Ingredients:

2-1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 Tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2-1/2 cups buttermilk
1 cup freshly grated raw potato
2 Tablespoons melted butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
butter
sugar

Directions:

Mix and sift flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat eggs slightly in large bowl; stir in buttermilk. Stir in dry ingredients, mixing just until blended (batter will be slightly lumpy). Stir in grated potato, butter or margarine, and vanilla.

 

Ladle batter, a scant 1/4 cup for each pancake, onto greased heated griddle. Bake 1 to 2 minutes or until bubbles cover the top and underside is golden; turn; bake 1 to 2 minutes longer.


Serve at once, with plenty of butter. Sprinkle generously with sugar, as the Irish do.

Makes 3 dozen 4-inch pancakes.

Note:  This dish, also referred to as Boxty Pancakes, can be served on Shrove Tuesday and All Hallows' Eve.

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Saturday, January 30, 2010

St. Brigid's Bread

February 1st is the day on which St. Brigid is honored, especially among the Irish.

I noticed the other day, when I was posting Recipes for February, that we didn't have anything in the archives specifically for her feast, and was very excited when I received the following recipe from Kathleen at AMDG Academy.  Thank you Kathleen!

Kathleen's family enjoys making this "tried and true recipe" for breakfast, which she says is "simple and a real winner."  It sounds delicious!

I think I'll try baking it to enjoy with my favorite Irish Breakfast Tea while I read Brigid's Cloak: An Ancient Irish Story to my children as suggested in Catholic Mosaic: Living the Liturgical Year With Children!


St. Brigid's Bread

2/3 cup butter
1/3 cup sour milk
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 pkg. yeast
1 egg
1 cup oats
1 cup Bisquick
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. ginger

Heat butter and milk to melt butter in microwave (or melt butter and scald milk.) Add sugar. Allow to cool slightly and add yeast, stirring to mix. Let mixture rest for 10 minutes. Add slightly beaten egg. Mix all dry ingredients and stir into yeast mix. Lightly grease a Pyrex pie plate. Pour batter and bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. When done, allow to cool slightly and serve warm with butter.


*The Irish Beef and Guinness Stew and Irish Soda Bread would be great recipes to serve on the feast of St. Brigid as well!

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