St. Patrick's Day falls on Saturday this year. If you plan to celebrate with some green gourmet then I may be able to help.
Two of the most viewed pages of my blog are "
13 Steps to throwing a wicKED Halloween Party" , and "
wicKED Recipes". While these both are Halloween guides, they can help out with other party plans. The party guide can be easily modified to assist you in planning any holiday party you wish. Since St Patties day is all about green food and drink (green beer served at every bar and McDonalds Green shakes come to mind), ghoulish green Halloween treats come to mind. There are a few that can be easily adapted with a a few simple modification and a name change. Here are a few greenish greats that are made over fresh with some Irish magic.
SWAMP JUICE becomes LUCKY PUNCH
1 two liter ginger ale
1 quart can of pineapple juice
1 package of lime (or lemon lime) drink mix
1 cup sugar (exclude this if you go for the sugar free drink mix)
1 container of lime sherbet
Your favorite vodka to taste. (I suggest a citrus type vodka)
Keep all of your fluids in the fridge to keep them as cold as possible. Start by combining sugar and pineapple juice in punch bowl. After sugar is dissolved, add drink mix and ginger ale. Make sure don"t fill you punch bowl full with the ale. You still have to add vodka and sherbet. Next add big scoops of your sherbet into the punch. If you have problems with your sherbet, run the container under hot water as well as your dipper for an easy scoop. As it melts, it makes a really cool green foam. Vodka can be added as needed.
This is the best tasting punch recipe I know of. I always have request for this punch at any party. The green color just makes it a St Patties day have to.
Crone Claws becomes Leprechaun Finger Foods
Another Taste of Home Recipe I used by the book the first time. Here it is from the site:
Ingredients
3 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1/2 cup warm milk (110° to 115°)
1 egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon green food coloring
2 to 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg white, lightly beaten
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup sliced almonds
Marinara or spaghetti sauce
Directions
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, egg, grated cheese, butter, sugar, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, food coloring and 1 cup flour. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
Punch dough down; let stand for 10 minutes. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 16 pieces. Shape each piece into a 10-in. rope. Cut in half. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
Brush egg white over breadsticks; sprinkle with shredded cheese. Place an almond slice at the tip of each. Bake at 375° for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve warm with marinara sauce. Yield: 32 breadsticks.
My wicKED short cut is to just use Pillsbury breadsticks in a roll. Put in a bowl and using rubber gloves, mix in food coloring,garlic powder and Italian seasoning. This will cut down considerably on prep time. I have also had people tell me they just used the breadsticks dough and add the coloring to the egg whites for a equally green sheen.
To make these St. Patties Day friendly, just make each finger smaller and reverse the almonds so the rounded edge becomes the nail not the pointed end.
Dead Leaves becomes CLOVER CHIPS
What party would not be complete without chips and salsa? If you are looking for some designer chips, this is the place. I used different types of wraps for a variety of colors in my chips.
Corn tortilla for yellow
Wheat wraps for brown
Tomato and basil wraps for orange
Spinach wraps for green
I got myself some different sized leaf cookie cutters from Walmart to make the shape. For a flatter, healthier chip, I baked them in an oven at 350. Depending on type of wrap, baking times vary. Just eyeball it till they are crisp. For an even crisper and more vivid colored chip, deep fry them. Salt to taste (or add other sprinkled flavors).
Of course to make this delightfully Irish, just use the green spinach wraps and a clover cookie cutter.
Witch Warts become IRISH FRIED CLOVERS
Fried pickles are a treat at any party, especially at a Halloween or green theme party.
1 Jar of your favorite dill pickles (size depends on quantity require).
Corn Meal
Flour
Dried Dill
Eggs
Salt and Pepper
Drain your pickles (save the juice). Beat eggs for your egg wash. You can add some of the pickle juice to the egg wash for an added burst of pickle taste. Mix corn meal and flour to roughly 70/30 parts meal over flour. Add dill, salt and pepper to taste. Dip in wash, then meal mix and deep fry to golden brown.
For added Irish flair, you can hand cut your pickles to look like clovers.
Raunchy Ranch becomes SHAMROCK SAUCE
Just take your favorite ranch dip (Hidden Valley, store bought, or home made) and add in green food color till desired green tint is achieved. If green ranch is not your taste, then you can always use Salsa Verde or Guacamole for dips.
Feel free to sort through the recipe section to find other green treats to modify for your own St. Patties day party. If you feel adventurous, you can even attempt to transform one of the glowing margaritas.
I hope you all find a way to celebrate life a little this upcoming Holiday weeKEnD. At the very least have a green drink with friends. If you do, toast one to your old pal wicKED.
