Monday, March 16, 2009

Beannachtam na Feile Padraig!

Saint Patrick was a gentleman,  Who through strategy and stealth,
Drove all the snakes from Ireland,
Here’s a toasting to his health.
But not too many toastings,
Lest you lose yourself and then
Forget the good Saint Patrick,
And see all those snakes again.

If you haven’t noticed these last  weeks—I LOVE Saint Patrick’s Day. I celebrate the heck out of it, look good in green and enjoy toasting. To anything. As I have been gearing up for the big day I noted that though I appear to be decidedly black Irish, in reality I am a mix of bloods and backgrounds—not as varied as some—more eclectic than others. But for now and to quote my favorite movie (that I will be watching tomorrow night. Boondock Saints—A chick flick in my mind—those brothers. those accents. ‘nough said), “Yeah, it is Saint Patty’s Day. Everyone is Irish tonight.”

So grab some Guinness and get creative. Try the Guinness and meat pie from last week. Enjoy the day and learn some new toasts.  And let me be the first to say, “Slainte!” (pronounced 'slawn-cha', meaning Health! A common toast in Ireland, the equivalent to ‘Cheers’).

Health, and long life to you
,
Land without rent to you

The partner of your heart to you

and when you die
may your bones rest in Ireland!

Dubliner and Guinness
Cheese and beer. yum!

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
7 fluid ounces Guinness® Draught Beer
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (8 ounce) package Dubliner Irish cheese, shredded

Place the cream cheese in the bowl of a food processor; pulse the cream cheese while adding the Guinness and Worcestershire sauce. Add the garlic and Dubliner cheese; process until smooth. Spoon the mixture into a serving bowl; cover. Chill in refrigerator overnight or 8 hours before serving.

May you always have a clean shirt,
a clear conscience,
and enough coins in your pocket to buy a pint!

Jitters
Everyone knows the Irish Coffee, Black and Tan, Half and Half, and Black Velvet. Even an Irish Car Bomb. Here I am sharing a classic that my brother and his friend Ray concocted. A perfect way to start your day. My brother is a genius.

I pint Guinness
1 espresso shot

Drop the shot into the Guinness. Enjoy your breakfast.

May your blessings out number

The shamrocks that grow,

And may trouble avoid you

Wherever you go.

Guinness-Oil Salad Dressing
A great way to add a little Irish into your daily diet.

A piquant dressing for tossed green salads.
1/2 cup oil

1/3 cup beer

1/4 tsp dry mustard


1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp freshly ground pepper

dash garlic powder

Process ingredients in a blender or shake vigorously in a covered jar. Makes about 3/4 cups.

Wherever you go and whatever you do,
 

May the luck of the Irish be there with you.

Guinness Stout Ice Cream
Ice cream and beer. Best of both worlds. Yields: about 2 cups. Special equipment: an ice cream maker

3 egg yolks


2 tablespoons sugar

1 cup milk


2 tablespoons heavy cream

1 pint Guinness Stout (reduced)

First, if the bowl of your ice cream maker has to be frozen, make sure you do so. In a sauce pan bring the pint of Guinness to a boil and let it reduce to about half to concentrate the flavor. Whip the egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick. In another sauce pan bring the milk and cream to a boil. Pour the boiling milk mixture over the yolks and whisk continuously. Return to sauce pan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens just enough to coat a spatula. Do not allow the mixture to boil. Pass though a fine strainer or 2 layers of cheesecloth. Cover loosely and quickly place in an ice bath. Whisk in the Guinness Stout reduction. Churn in an ice cream machine according to the manufactures instructions.

Have a great St. Patty's Day!