THE VILLAGE VOICE

"Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food groups: alcohol, caffine , sugar and fat." ~ Alex Levi n _______________________ ~ in honor of the green ________________________________ MURPHY'S IRISH COFFEE ~ a healthy jigger of Brandy (Brian's claim to smoothness instead of Irish whiskey) 1 healthy tsp. of brown sugar freshly brewed strong black coffee fresh whipping cream 1 Tbsp. powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla freshly grated nutmeg, chocolate or cinnamon Whip cream until a soft peak forms. Add powdered sugar & vanilla. Continue whipping until a peak forms. Warm an Irish coffee glass in hot water. Pour brandy (or Irish whiskey) & brown sugar into the glass and stir. Slowly pour fresh coffee filling the glass to within half an inch or so of the top. Carefully top with whipped cream. Garnish with nutmeg, chocolate shavings or cinnamon. Toast loved ones near and enjoy sipping through the rich cream. (Thanks Brian!) _____________________...

______________________ "If you're lucky enough to be Irish, then you're lucky enough." ~ Irish saying ___________________ _________________ ~ 'Uncle Tom's' romantic and witty journey back to his ancestral home in County Clare http://www.thomaslynch.com/ _____________________________ CORNED BEEF 'N CABBAGE ~ a once a year MUST! *** 5 pound lean Corned beef brisket (flat cut) 2 plump onions, each studded with 3 whole cloves 1 fat well-cleaned diagonally sliced leek 2 diagonally sliced celery ribs 2 bottles of stout beer like Guinness or Harp 1 heaping tsp. dried thyme 1 bunch fresh parsley 1 bay leaf sea salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste 2 medium heads of cored cabbage, cut in wedges 6 peeled 2-inch diagonally sliced carrots 12 small well-scrubbed red or yellow new potatoes Place beef in large pot; cover with cold water and bring to boil. Discard water and wipe sediment from beef. Return to pot and cover with cold water and beer. Add onio...

"A cabin with plenty of food is better than a hungry castle." ~ Irish Proverb ______________________________ _______________________ POTATO LEEK SOUP ~ Velvety smooth traditional Irish soup ~~~~~~~ 2 peeled and sliced pounds of white potatoes 1 well-scrubbed and sliced bunch of leeks 1 stick unsalted butter 1 large chopped white onion 3 stalks chopped celery 5 cups organic chicken stock 2 cups half & half 1 cup milk 1 Tbsp. dried parsley flakes 1 tsp. white pepper coarse salt to taste 1 whole bay leaf 1/4 tsp. mace fresh chopped chives or watercress Melt butter in large stock pot. Add leeks, onions and celery. Cook until wilted, stirring frequently. Add chicken stock and bring to boil. Add potatoes, parsley, salt & pepper, and bay leaf. Simmer 20-30 minutes until potatoes are tender. Remove bay leaf. In batches, puree in blender until smooth. Return to pot and add half & half and milk (or any combination to make broth rich or lighter). Stir in mace and re-season ...

"Laughter is brightest where food is best." ~ Irish Proverb ____________________________ ~ Make a wish _______________________ MUM'S IRISH STEW ~ Mum wasn't Irish but cooked with plenty of laughter and love *** 4-5 pounds (1-inch chunks) stew beef 1/2 cup flour seasoned with coarse salt, cracked pepper, garlic power & thyme 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 stick unsalted butter 2 chunky chopped fat onions 2 cups chopped celery 6 cups organic beef broth 1 bottle of Guinness beer 1 cup red wine 1 small can tomato paste 1 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 Tbsp. Kitchen Bouquet 1 Tbsp. Lawry's Seasoned Pepper 2 Tbsp. dried thyme 2 Tbsp. dried parsley 1-2 pounds chunky chopped peeled potatoes 1 pound diagonally sliced peeled carrots 1 1/2 cup frozen peas Fresh chopped parsley Shake meat in seasoned flour. In heavy stock pot, brown meat in batches using olive oil & butter as needed. Remove and set aside. In same pan, brown onion and celery. Ret...