Friday, March 19, 2021
Friday Night Fish
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Grandma's Irish Soda Bread
Grandma wasn't kidding when she said she believed we had a wee bit of Irish in us. Turned out, my DNA evaluation showed proof of the family tale. Gram with her gift of storytelling and cooking drew family members together. Nothing was better than Gram's bread. The smell of warm bread embodies LOVE.
Gram had a sweet tooth and loved breads. She would often toss a few raisins into her Irish Soda Bread, shhhh.... don't tell anyone. We all love Gram's breads and she would serve Irish Soda Bread with "Boiled Dinner". Corned beef (or ham, depending on the guests) with potatoes, carrots, parsnips, onion and cabbage. The bread would be used to sop up the delicious, savory broth. I preferred my slice of warm bread with butter.
Any leftover Irish Soda Bread was turned into French toast the next morning.
TRADITIONAL IRISH SODA BREAD
INGREDIENTS
- 4 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt. Gradually stir in the buttermilk until the dough comes together in a slightly sticky ball.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead gently a few times. Form the dough into a ball and then press into the prepared pan so that the dough resembles a large disk. The dough should reach the edges of the pan, but may spring back slightly.
- Cut an X into the dough with a sharp knife, about 1/4 of an inch deep. Cover the pan of dough with another round cake pan turned upside down.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, covered, then remove the top pan and bake uncovered for about 10 minutes more or until the crust is dark golden brown.
A little Irish Soda Bread history:
I want to give you just a few interesting facts about Irish Soda Bread. Don’t worry I won’t bore you it’s only a few!
- The cross that is slashed into the dough before baking was made to ward off devils and protect the house. It also helps the center of the bread bake all the way through, so it’s very important not to skip that step!
- During the mid 1800s the Irish were making so much soda bread that baking soda almost doubled in price!
- Soda bread was served as an inexpensive way to put bread on the table.
- Real soda bread should only contain 4 ingredients: flour, buttermilk, salt, and of course baking soda.
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Happy St. Patty's!
I did an Ancestory.com DNA thing and participate in a DNA research project funded by the Smithsonian. During the research, I found out I have a wee bit of Irish in my blood. This is my first St. Patty's Day with that info. Yay! Kiss me, I'm Irish!
Have a wonderful day, friends and be sure to find a little romance.
Monday, March 15, 2021
Maple Syrup for Your Honey
It's almost Maple Syrup Season! Nothing beats a romantic morning with your honey than pure maple syrup over a batch of hot French toast or pancakes.
According to Michigan Farmers' Market Association, there are different grades of Michigan farmers market fresh maple syrup. While they are all delicious, different grades are best for different purposes.
Grade A maple syrup is lighter and more delicately flavored, making it perfect for topping your pancakes or other treats.Grade B Michigan Maple Syrup |
Grade B maple syrup is stronger in caramel flavor and great for baking. This is a darker syrup with a more robust flavor and scent.
Visit the the Made In Michigan Store for products
Follow these food safety
tips to enjoy your farmers market fresh maple syrup:
- Store pure maple
syrup in the refrigerator – even if the bottle has not been opened.
- Pure maple syrup in
glass or tin containers may be stored in the refrigerator for up to one
year.
Use syrup stored in plastic containers within three to six months.
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Monday Mojo - Dry Skin? Try this!
The proteins in sperm have a tightening effect on the skin. When sperm is left to dry, the evaporation of the water in it leaves behind protein which can help to reduce wrinkles. While this may be an excellent anti-aging treatment, the obvious downside is that you have to walk around with sperm on your face.
Thursday, March 11, 2021
Love Knot is FREE for Read an Ebook Week
Irishman, Robbie Mac Donnell never wanted to stay in one place very long. His job as a scientist allowed him to travel the world without ever making permanent ties to anyone. However, when he finds the perfect person and the perfect place to settle down, he's not sure if she'll believe him.
“Well... you're a sight for sore eyes!” Mimi grinned as the sight of her long-lost friend thrilled her senses.
Dressed in black jeans, black boots and black tank under a plaid shirt with hunky muscles peeking out; hot enough to make any woman with a pulse drool. His reddish blonde hair fashioned in the usual mess as if he just crawled out of bed. Dark brows arched over beautiful green eyes and those lips...so kissable.
Without saying a word, Robbie placed a box he carried as well as a highly polished apple onto the table and walked towards her. His hand slipped under her hair to cup the base of her head, while his other arm circled around her. When his lips came down on hers, Mimi had to grab onto him to keep from falling over in surprise.
“Ah... welcome home?” She choked on the words.
AVAILABLE FREE!
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Thursday 13 - St. Patty's (non-diet) Treats
With St. Patrick's Day coming up and being on a diet I thought I'd list my favorite St. Patty treats that I will miss enjoying this year.
Irishman, Robbie Mac Donnell never wanted to stay in one place very long. His job as a scientist allowed him to travel the world without ever making permanent ties to anyone. However, when he finds the perfect person and the perfect place to settle down, he's not sure if she'll believe him.
Chocolate, Cheesecake and Bailey's!
I love cheesecake and chocolate. For St. Patty's Day, I found a sexy cheesecake recipe using Bailey's Irish Cream, is made with a chocolate crust and a has creamy chocolate filling. It's from Ali Martin, over at Gimme Some Oven.
This decadent dessert is time consuming to make, but if you're like me you'll find the time spent is relaxing. Pop on some good tunes and let's get baking!
- prep time: 15 MINUTES
- cook time: 70 MINUTES
- total time: 85 MINUTES
- yield: 12 -16 SLICES
CRUST INGREDIENTS:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate graham cracker (or chocolate cookie) crumbs
- 1/3 cup powdered (confectioner’s) sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup (half a stick) butter, melted
CHEESECAKE INGREDIENTS:
- 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened (I used 1/3 less fat)
- 1 1/4 cups white sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup Bailey’s (or other Irish cream liqueur)
CHOCOLATE GANACHE INGREDIENTS (OPTIONAL):
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
- 4 ounces dark chocolate
INSTRUCTIONS
- * Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, mix together the cookie crumbs, confectioners’ sugar and 1/3 cup cocoa. Add melted butter and stir until well mixed. Pat into the bottom of a 9-inch well-greased springform pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes; set aside. Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees.
- * In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, white sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa and flour. Beat at medium speed until blended and smooth. (Try not to over-mix!) Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in the sour cream and Irish cream liqueur; mixing on low speed until blended. Pour filling over baked crust.
- * Optional: To prevent cracking in the cheesecake, I’m a big fan of water baths! Just fill a 9×13 (or whatever size) glass pan halfway with water, and place it on the bottom rack while the oven preheats, and then while the cheesecake cooks.
- * Place the cheesecake in the oven on the shelf above the water bath, and bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 250 degrees, and continue baking for 60 minutes.
- * With a knife, loosen cake from rim of pan. Let cool, then remove the rim of pan. Chill for a few hours before serving.
- * Optional: To prepare the ganache, place the chocolate chips in a bowl. Then heat the cream (or half and half) in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it is almost boiling.
- Remove from heat, and pour over the chocolate chips and let sit for 30 seconds. Then stir until the chocolate chips have melted and are mixed in well. Pour over the top of the cheesecake, and sprinkle with chocolate chips or chocolate shavings if you’d like.
Sunday, March 7, 2021
Monday Mojo - How About a Cupa Joe?
On another note....
Green Beans Coffee is offering a pretty cool deal.
More than 65 cafes throughout the Middle East, Africa, Southwest Asia and North America, Green Beans Coffee has provided a welcomed moment of respite where deployed services members can relax, enjoy premium coffees, teas and fresh baked pastries, hear great music and for a few minutes, escape into a peaceful oasis of tranquility that brings a little bit of home with every cup of coffee served.
With CUP OF JOE FOR A JOE, Green Beans Coffee is giving everyone an opportunity to express their support for our men and women in uniform through the simple act of buying a cup of premium coffee and having it delivered along with their own personalized message of thanks to a serviceman serving overseas.
Visit www.greenbeanscoffee.com and brighten the day by sending a little bit of home to a serviceman deployed overseas.