St. Patricks Day Recipes

With parades in Chicago and St. Louis and the Shamrock Festival in Washington D.C. it must be St. Patricks Day. Well almost, St. Patricks Day is actually this Tuesday March 17th.

I know that many of you will be having parties or dinners so I thought you might like a few Irish recipes to set the tone.

CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE

Ingredients:

3 pounds corned beef brisket with spice packet

10 red potatoes (leave skin on)

5 carrots, peeled and sliced

1 large head cabbage, cut into small wedges

Directions:

Place corned beef brisket in large pot or Dutch oven, add the spice packet, and cover with water. Cover pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for approximately 2 1/2 hours or until tender. Add the potatoes and carrots, and continue to simmer for 10 minutes. Add cabbage and cook for 15 more minutes.

Remove meat and let rest 15 minutes. Place vegetables in a bowl adding as much broth as you like and cover. Slice meat across the grain and serve.

IRISH CHEDDAR AND STOUT FONDUE

Here's a rich dish that will make a perfect appetizer for your St. Patrick's Day dinner or party.

Ingredients:

2 cups small red potatoes, halved

2 cups cauliflower florets

2 cups very small brussel sprouts

2 apples, cored, cut into wedges
1 pound Irish cheddar cheese, grated

2 1/2 tablespoons all purpose flour

1 cup Irish stout (like Guinness)

6 tablespoons frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Directions:

Steam the potatoes for 5 minutes then add the other veggies and continue to steam for about another 10 minutes until tender. Arrange the vegetables and apples around edge of large platter.
While the vegetables steam toss the cheese and flour in large bowl. Bring the stout, juice concentrate, and Dijon mustard to a simmer in large saucepan over medium heat and let reduce for 5 minutes. Gradually add cheese mixture, stirring constantly, until cheese is melted and smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper and then transfer the fondue to a bowl.

Place in center of platter with vegetables and enjoy!

Have a great St. Patricks Day and don't drink too much of that green beer especially if you're driving.