Thursday Morning Wit

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

I'm sure you all know that St. Patrick's Day is coming up on Monday, March 17. Many people like to celebrate by eating green foods like pistachio cake or sugary shamrock cookies. I say, let's try something a bit more authentic this year. I have decided to post some outstanding recipes for a perfect St. Patrick's Day menu. This corned beef recipe gets 5 stars at www.recipezaar.com.

CROCK POT CORNED BEEF DINNER

INGREDIENTS
• 4 lbs corned beef, with included seasoning packets(buy the cheapest cut, the fattier cuts have more flavor)
• water, to cover
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 2 lbs baby red potatoes
• 1 lb baby carrots
• 1 head cabbage

GLAZE
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup gulden's spicy mustard

DIRECTIONS
1. Put corned beef, seasonings, water, onion, bay leaves, and garlic to crock pot. Cover; Cook on LOW 11 hours (get up early -- ).

2. Remove meat and transfer liquid to another large pot.

3. To liquid add potatoes.

4. Cook on medium high stove top for 20 minutes and then add carrots, cook five minutes more, add cabbage (green/quartered) and cook an additional 20 minutes.

5. Spread glaze over cooked brisket and bake meat (uncovered) for 30 minutes at 350.

6. This should be done about the time the vegetables are cooked through.

7. This recipe is best served with Irish soda bread.

(Note ***** an 8 lb. corned beef feeds 6 adults and 5 kids, also prepare 5 lbs. potatoes, 2lbs. carrots and 2 heads cabbage and double glaze. It looks like a lot when you have it uncooked but meat shrinks about half once cooked. ******* There will be leftovers, but you'll be happy then next day! otherwise if you are making this recipe for 1-4 people, stick to original recipe).

This Irish Soda Bread recipe received 4-1/2 stars at www.allrecipes.com.

AMAZINGLY EASY IRISH SODA BREAD

INGREDIENTS
4 cups all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup margarine, softened
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup buttermilk

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and margarine. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round and place on prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with 1/4 cup buttermilk; brush loaf with this mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut an 'X' into the top of the loaf.
Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, about 30 to 50 minutes. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes.

I have to tell you that it wasn't easy to find a St. Patrick's Day dessert that didn't contain alcohol but I did find one! It is a recipe for a simple pudding made with just 5 ingredients. The recipe comes from from Carol Pellegrinelli at www.about.com.

APPLE-BARLEY PUDDING

INGREDIENTS
• 3 cups water
• 4 tablespoons pearl barley
• 1-1/2 pounds apples, peeled, cored and sliced (I prefer tart, it's your choice)
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

DIRECTIONS
Bring water to boil. Stir in barley. Add apples and cook until both are soft. Process in food processor. Put back in pan. Add sugar and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Allow to cool. Then chill in refrigerator.

AN OLD IRISH BLESSING

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

The Creative Cook