Honey's Highlights

Editor: Ellen Valinski       www. Surprisearrivals.com                 March 2010

 

"What a Winter"! January and February were two of the worst weather months in history. Cold, Snow, Rain, Winds, Floods, Earthquakes, you name it we had it around the country and our neighbors. Even living in Florida, had its challenges this year to date.

Super Bowl fans thought they would have fun in the sun and sand, but instead, had to wear their warm jackets they arrived here wearing from the cold north.  So much for outdoor fun! I am sure the night clubs were full to capacity to warm up our tourists. So, yes, the weather the past two months has even been rare for Florida, snow even fell in the panhandle of Florida.

Now the "Ides of March" approaching, time to start warming up for St. Patrick's Day. Remember the wearing of green on the 17th of March.  Remember all your Irish friends and the wanna be Irish with a fun gift. Whether you are marching in a parade or sitting in a pub there is always fun on this day. Check out my Irish Dinner at bottom of newsletter.

April showers bring May flowers and the blossoming of sleeping trees and bushes. Easter will soon be approaching and great feasting as well. Larry will have those great Easter gift ideas on line March 1st. Time to reflect and celebrate our family and friends by remembering them with that basket of goodies and surprises

Even our little ones love a surprise of a great plush toy or basket. This year I have much to be happy for as another "Great Grandson" that makes two. Remember your family additions with a wonderful Baby Gift.

Dinner Menu with Irish Theme

Appetizer

Zucchini Cheese Custard Cups (6)

4 or 5 very small Zucchini

1 sweet onion(med) chopped fine

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 cup half and half

2 large eggs beaten

1 cup grated Fontina or Swiss cheese

salt and pepper and Dash of Cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, grease 6 custard cups, grate zucchini in food processor. sauté onion in olive oil till translucent. add zucchini and stir for 2 minutes.

Mix half and half. eggs, cheese. Stir in zucchini/onion. Salt and Pepper

Pour into custard cups, place cups in large baking pan with hot water 1/2 way up cups.

Bake 25-30 min. Unmold and serve warm.

Entree

Slow Cooker Irish Stew

2 lb lean lamb stew meat or beef

6 med. potatoes cut into 1/2 inch slices

3 med. onions sliced

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 tsp dried thyme

14 1/2 oz beef broth

chopped parsley

Layer half meat, potatoes and onions into a 3 1/2 to 6 quart cooker. Sprinkle with 1/2 Salt, Pepper and Thyme. Repeat  till you have all ingredients in cooker. Pour Broth over top. cover and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or High for 3-5 hours. test meat for tenderness. Skim fat from top and sprinkle with parsley.
I recommend serving with Irish Soda Bread.

Dessert

Crème de Menthe Brownies

Preheat oven to 350

1 box brownie mix, prepare as directed, let cool in pan.

Filling: 1 stick butter softened, 2 cups confectioners sugar, 4 tbsp green Crème de Menthe. mix butter & sugar with electric beater. Stir in Crème de Menthe, blend well. Spread over brownies. Refrigerate in same pan till filling is firm.

Icing:1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips, melt with 6 tbsp butter in double boiler. stir till smooth. pour warm over filling. Refrigerate till chocolate hardens.

Remove brownies from pan and let stand at room temp. cut into 48 brownies. Store in airtight container in frig.

Irish Coffee

Rub lime slice around rim of glass coffee mug. dip the rim in sugar to coat. Pour coffee and add 3 tsp sugar and 1 oz. Irish Whiskey. Top with whipped cream. 

Bon Appetite!!!!

Thought of the Day:

"Humor is the hole that allows the sawdust out of a stuffed shirt" 

Till next time, Ms. Honey.