Go For The Green

Regardless of our heritage, everyone seems to enjoy the celebration surrounding St. Patrick’s Day. While locally, we may not have the lavish parades and parties of larger cities, most of us will be caught wearing a touch of the green and looking for a colorful treat to top our tables. For centuries, we’ve paid tribute to the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, himself, who died on March 17, 461; the shamrock, which symbolizes the Trinity, is a common emblem associated with the Irish holiday.

Whether Irish blood pumps through your veins or not, you’ve got to love these mouth-watering dishes that are sure to complement the traditional fare of Corned Beef and Cabbage, Irish Soda Bread and Green Rice.

Easy Irish Potato Casserole

32 oz. pkg. frozen Tater Tots, thawed
1 onion, grated
8 oz. sour cream
1 tsp salt
1 cup grated Cheddar Cheese
1 can undiluted Cream of Chicken Soup
¾ stick butter
Topping:
2 cups crushed corn flakes
¾ stick butter for top of corn flakes

Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine first seven ingredients and pour into greased casserole dish. Pour melted butter over cornflakes, mix together and spoon evenly over potato mixture. Bake for 35- 45 minutes at 350, until golden brown.

St. Patrick’s Day Cupcakes

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 (4 oz. serving) pkg. instant pistachio pudding mix
¾ cup miniature semi-sweet chocolate pieces
2/3 cup sugar
2 ½ tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
2 beaten eggs
1 ¼ cup milk
½ cup oil
1 tsp. vanilla
Cream cheese icing
Green decorator’s sugar or green tinted coconut
½ cup green candy-coated milk chocolate pieces (M&Ms)

In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour, pudding mix, chocolate pieces, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, combine eggs, milk, oil and vanilla. Stir into flour mixture just until combined. Fill greased or paper bake cup lined muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.
Frost with cream cheese icing; sprinkle with green sugar or coconut then candy pieces. Makes 18.

St. Patrick’s Seven-Up Cake

1 pkg. white cake mix
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup 7-Up
1 small pkg. pistachio instant pudding mix

Combine ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Beat for 4 minutes. Pour into greased and floured 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Bake in 350 degree oven 30 to 35 minutes, cool.

Frosting:
1 small pkg. pistachio instant pudding mix
1 ½ cups milk
1 (8 oz.) carton Cool Whip

Combine pudding mix and milk. Beat for 2 minutes. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread over cake. Chill until served.

Green Salad

1 large can crushed pineapple (undrained)
1 pkg. instant pistachio pudding
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1 cup chopped pecans
1 large container whipped topping

Mix ingredients in order given. Chill several hours before serving.

 

 

Don’t forget your copy of “Lovin’ Spoonful . . . Cooking With Family and Friends,” a compilation of nearly 400 mouth-watering recipes by Sherrie Norris. It is available at all locations of High Country Media – Boone, Banner Elk, West Jefferson, and at The Avery Journal in Newland, all Boone Drugs, Black Bear Books, Trailway Laundry, Wilcox Emporium,( top level, booth 312-W,) and beginning June 15 at Mast Store locations.