Showing posts with label St. Patricks Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label St. Patricks Day. Show all posts

Monday, December 9, 2013

Blacker & Tanner

This cocktail takes the classic Black & Tan—stout and pale ale—and cranks it up, blacker and tanner, with a double IPA and an imperial stout. You won’t get the ‘layered’ effect, which comes from the nitrogenation of most dry stouts, but you’ll get the blending of the big hops of the IPA and the burnt bitterness of the imperial stout. This cocktail is about twice as strong as a standard beer.
For more beer and classic cocktail recipes, visit our Drinks & Entertaining Guide.



  • 1 12-fl. oz. bottle double IPA, such as Dogfish Head 90 Minute or Stone Ruination IPA, chilled




  • 1 12- fl. oz. bottle imperial stout, such as North Coast Old Rasputin or Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, chilled




Fill two chilled pint glasses with equal amounts of the IPA and the stout. Stir gently, and drink slowly.


Eve’s Black Heart

Similar to a Black Velvet, which is made with Guinness and Champagne, this beer cocktail has a double hit of apples from both hard cider and apple brandy. Hence, the name, derived from Eve’s penchant for the forbidden fruit.
Visit the Drinks & Entertaining page for more beer and classic cocktail recipes.



  • 8 fl. oz. (1 cup) dry hard cider (such as Crispin brut or Farnum Hill semi-dry), chilled




  • 1 14.9-fl.-oz. can Guinness draught, chilled




  • 1 fl. oz. (2 Tbs.) Calvados




Divide the cider between two chilled pint glasses. To float the Guinness on top of the cider, pop the tab on the can, let it foam up, and then pour the beer slowly over the rounded back of a tablespoon measure held over each glass, stopping when almost full. Gently pour 1 Tbs. of the Calvados on top of each drink. Serve.


Avocado Frozen Yogurt

Rich, creamy, and the prettiest pale green, this frozen treat is a surprisingly delicious showcase for avocados.



  • 2 cups whole milk




  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar




  • 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract




  • 4 large egg yolks




  • 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt




  • 1 Tbs. loosely packed finely grated lemon zest




  • 1/2 Tbs. loosely packed finely grated lime zest




  • 2 medium firm-ripe avocados (6 to 7 oz. each), pitted, peeled, and cut into large chunks




  • 2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice




  • 2 Tbs. fresh lime juice




In a 3-quart saucepan, heat the milk and sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it just comes to a boil, about 4 minutes. Stir in the vanilla.


Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with several inches of ice water. Put a smaller metal bowl in the ice water and set a fine strainer on top.


In a medium bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Pour about 1/2 cup of the milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling. Pour the egg mixture into the saucepan with the milk mixture and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the custard thickens slightly, enough to coat the back of the spoon, 4 to 8 minutes. Immediately pour the mixture through the strainer into the small bowl. Stir in the yogurt and zests and cool the custard completely by stirring it over the ice bath.


In a blender or food processor, purée the avocado with the lemon and lime juices and about 1 cup of the cooled custard until smooth. Fold the avocado mixture back into the custard. The mixture should be thick, creamy, and pale green. Freeze the custard in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Transfer the frozen yogurt to an airtight container and freeze until solid, at least 4 hours.


Honeydew-Cucumber Shake with Cucumber Granita

So pale is this shake’s green shade that you could almost call it silver. A cap of luminous, icy, cucumber-flavored granita, even paler green if that’s possible, completes a look that is about as debonair as a milkshake can be. The high water content of honeydew gives this shake a slightly thinner and even more slurpable consistency than most shakes.
Visit our Drinks & Entertaining page for more fun summer drinks and shakes.



  • 2 Tbs. granulated sugar




  • Pinch of salt




  • 1 Tbs. freshly squeezed lime juice




  • 3/4 medium cucumber (about 8 ounces), peeled, seeded, and roughly chopped (about 1 cup)




  • 1/2 small, ripe honeydew melon (about 1 lb.), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks (about 3 cups)




  • 6 medium scoops vanilla bean or original vanilla ice cream (about 1-1/2 pints), softened until just melty at the edges




For the granita:

Bring the sugar and 2 Tbs. water to a gentle boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, swirling the pan to dissolve the sugar; reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 2 minutes. Off the heat, cool the syrup to room temperature. Place the syrup, salt, 2 tsp. of the lime juice, and the cucumber in a blender and puree until smooth. Pour the cucumber mixture into a shallow container. Cover and freeze until softly frozen (not solid), 2-1/2  to 3 hours. Remove from the freezer and gently run a dinner fork through the frozen mass to break it down into loose, icy crystals. Cover the container and return it to the freezer. Freeze until firm, checking and raking the granita with the fork every hour or two to keep the crystals loose and fine, at least 7 hours.



For the shake:

Place 1/2 cup of granita, the honeydew, and the remaining 1 tsp. of lime juice in a blender and blend to break down the honeydew completely, about 1 minute. Add the ice cream and pulse several times to begin breaking it up. With the blender motor off, use a flexible spatula to mash the mixture down onto the blender blades. Continue pulsing, stopping, and mashing until the mixture is well blended, thick, and moves easily in the blender jar, roughly 30 to 90 seconds. Pour into a chilled glass or glasses, top each with 1/2 cup granita, and serve at once.







Shepherd’s Pie with Cheddar-Spiked Mashed Potatoes

My mom is the queen of meat stews. This shepherd’s pie is no exception. The filling is a perfect blend of meat and vegetables, simmered together and then baked under a golden brown mashed potato topping—a true comfort meal. My whole family loves this dish. Let’s face it, what toddler doesn’t love mashed potatoes? If you don’t eat red meat, substitute cubed chicken breast or thigh meat or turkey breast or tenderloin (the cooking time remains the same). Since this recipe has a longer walk-away time than most other recipes, take advantage of it and catch up with work or relaxation!
Filling:




  • 1 Tbs. olive oil




  • 2 medium carrots, chopped




  • 1 cup pearl onions (frozen or jarred, no need to thaw if frozen)




  • 2 cloves garlic, minced




  • 1-1/4 lb. lean beef round, cut into 1-inch cubes




  • 1 Tbs. all-purpose flour




  • 1 tsp. dried oregano




  • 1/2 tsp. table salt




  • 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper




  • One 28-oz. can diced tomatoes



Cheddar-Spiked Mashed Potatoes:




  • 2 medium Idaho potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks




  • 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese




  • 1/4 cup low-fat sour cream




  • Table salt and freshly ground black pepper




Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the carrots, onions, and garlic and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.


Add the beef to the hot skillet and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add the flour, oregano, salt, and pepper and stir to coat the beef. Return the vegetables to the skillet and stir in the tomatoes. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover the pan, and simmer until the beef is cooked through, about 10 minutes.


Meanwhile, place the potatoes in a large saucepan and pour over enough water to cover. Set pan over high heat, bring to a boil, and boil until the potatoes are fork-tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and return the potatoes to the pan. Add the cheese and sour cream and mash until smooth and well combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper. At this point, the potatoes should be slightly thin and easy to spread over the beef mixture. If they’re not, add more sour cream or low-fat milk.


Transfer the beef mixture to a deep dish pie plate or shallow casserole dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top and, using the back of a spoon, make an even layer.



If you're stopping here:

Let cool for 15 minutes, then cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator or microwave before baking.



When you're ready to eat:

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Place the casserole dish on a baking sheet and bake until top is golden brown and filling is bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes (the baking sheet prevents messy oven cleanups, in case the filling bubbles over). Let rest 5 minutes before serving.


Creamy Lime Ricotta Tart in a Gingersnap Crust





  • 15-oz. container whole-milk ricotta (about 1-1/2 cups)




  • 3 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature




  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar




  • 2 Tbs. unbleached all-purpose flour




  • 1/4 tsp. table salt




  • 3 large egg yolks




  • 1 Tbs. finely grated lime zest




  • 1 Tbs. lime juice




  • 1 Press-In Cookie Crust, baked and cooled (I like gingersnaps for this tart)




  • Strips of lime zest, for garnish (optional)





Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta and cream cheese. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until well blended and no lumps remain, about 3 minutes. Add the sugar, flour, and salt and continue beating until well blended, about 1 min. Add the egg yolks, lime zest, and lime juice. Beat until just incorporated. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the filling into the crust and spread the filling evenly.


Bake the tart until the filling just barely jiggles when the pan is nudged, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool completely on a rack. Refrigerate the tart in the pan until chilled and firm, 2 to 3 hours. Serve garnished with strips of lime zest, if you like.


Cream Scones

While most scones are made with cream, the secret to this version is whipping the cream to soft peaks before folding it with the dry ingredients. The air trapped in the cream helps the scones rise, making them extra soft and light. Brushing the scones with a little extra cream and sprinkling them with sugar adds crunch and makes the tops sparkle a bit. If you prefer to skip that step, you’ll get more rustic-looking but equally tasty scones.



  • 1 cup plus 2 tsp. chilled heavy cream




  • 10-5/8 oz. (2-1/3 cups) unbleached all-purpose flour; more as needed




  • 3 Tbs. granulated sugar




  • 1 Tbs. baking powder (preferably aluminum-free)




  • 3/8 tsp. fine sea salt or table salt




  • 5 oz. (10 Tbs.) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes




  • 1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. honey




  • 1 Tbs. turbinado sugar (such as Sugar in the Raw) or granulated sugar




Chill a medium metal mixing bowl and the beaters of an electric hand mixer (or the bowl and whisk attachment of a stand mixer) in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.


Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment.


Beat 1 cup of the cream in the chilled bowl on medium-high speed just until soft peaks form, 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 minutes; refrigerate while you mix the other ingredients.


In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter and toss with your fingers to coat. Press the butter between your fingers to form very thin flakes, tossing them back in the flour mixture between passes until all of the butter is pressed into dime-size flakes.


Make a well in the center of the mixture and add the whipped cream and honey. Use a silicone spatula to fold the ingredients together until incorporated.


Lightly knead the dough in the bowl just until it holds together. Turn it out onto a lightly floured counter. Gently knead it a few more times, then transfer it to a 9-inch cake pan lined with plastic wrap and pat it into a flat disk (or shape it by hand on a cutting board into a 9 x 3/4-inch disk). Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10 minutes.


If the dough was shaped in a cake pan, invert it onto a cutting board. Remove the plastic.


With a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 even wedges. Arrange the wedges 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Brush the scones with the remaining 2 tsp. cream and sprinkle with the turbinado sugar.


Bake the scones until lightly browned on top, 15 to 20 minutes.


Spread an unscented, lint-free linen or cotton towel on a large wire rack and put the baked scones on top. Fold the towel over loosely and allow the scones to cool until warm or at room temperature before serving.


Irish Coffee

This cocktail is always served in an Irish coffee cup, which is clear to show off the light cream against the dark coffee and has a handle to prevent burns from a hot glass. Warm the glasses by filling them with hot water and letting them sit for a few minutes before pouring out the water.



  • 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar




  • 2 cups strong hot coffee




  • 3/4 cup Irish whiskey, such as Jameson




  • 3/4 cup heavy cream




Combine the brown sugar and 2 Tbs. water in a 1-quart saucepan and stir over low heat until the sugar is just dissolved. You’ll have 1/4 cup of syrup; depending on how sweet you like your Irish coffee, you may not need it all.


Pour 1/2 cup of the coffee, 3 Tbs. of the whiskey, and 2 to 3 tsp. of the brown sugar syrup into each of 4 warmed 6-oz. glass Irish coffee mugs.


In a medium bowl, beat the cream with a whisk just until it’s frothy and slightly thickened but does not yet hold a peak, about 1 minute. With a soup spoon, float about 3/4 inch of the lightly whipped cream on top of each coffee and serve immediately.


Irish Corned Beef and Vegetables with Dill Pickle-Horseradish Cream and Guinness-Mustard Sauce

Using a little beer to boil corned beef provides a pleasant malty flavor. Choose a dark beer, such as Guinness or other stout or, for a hint of sweetness, try a porter. Dark German beer, called Dunkel, is also good. Don’t throw away the stock: Save it for a cabbage or other winter vegetable soup.
For the dill pickle-horseradish cream




  • 1 cup sour cream




  • 1 Tbs. chopped fresh chives or scallion greens




  • 6 Tbs. prepared horseradish, drained




  • 1 Tbs. finely chopped dill pickle



For the Guiness-mustard sauce




  • 1/2 cup coarse-grain mustard




  • 2 Tbs. Guinness or other stout




  • 2 Tbs. Dijon mustard




  • 1/2 tsp. light brown sugar




  • 1 Tbs. finely chopped shallot



For the main dish




  • 1 6-to-8-lb. whole corned beef brisket, homemade or store-bought




  • 1 12-oz. bottle Guinness or other stout, porter, or dark German beer




  • 1 Tbs. coriander seeds




  • 4 bay leaves




  • 1 dried chile, such as cayenne




  • 2 allspice berries




  • 8 medium boiling potatoes, scrubbed




  • 4 medium onions, halved through the roots




  • 6 small turnips, peeled and halved, or 2 medium rutabagas, peeled and quartered




  • 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks




  • 6 medium carrots, peeled




  • 1 2-lb. green cabbage, cored and quartered




Make the dill pickle-horseradish cream

Combine the ingredients in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days.



For the Guiness-mustard sauce

Combine the ingredients in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 days.



For the corned beef

Place the corned beef in a Dutch oven. Pour in the beer and enough water to cover the meat by 1 to 2 inches. Wrap the coriander seeds, bay leaves, chile, and allspice in a square of cheesecloth, tie with butcher’s twine, and throw the spices into the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 2 hours. Check the beef by inserting a knife into the thickest part. If it shows no resistance, the meat is tender. To make sure, cut off a bit and taste it. If it is not tender, continue to cook, checking every 30 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.


Add the potatoes, onions, turnips, parsnips, carrots, and cabbage to the pot, cover, and cook at a slow boil for 20 minutes, or until tender. Return the beef to the pot to rewarm for 2 to 3 minutes. Discard the spice bag. Cut the meat across the grain into 1/4-inch-thick slices and arrange on a platter with the vegetables. Serve with the Dill Pickle–Horseradish Cream and Guinness-Mustard Sauce.




Bruce Aidells Great Meat Cookbook


Irish Butter-Poached Scallops with Leeks and Sweet Garden Peas

Irish butter is much richer and has fewer milk solids than the everyday butter sold in the United States. You can substitute the more widely available European-style butter, which, like Irish butter, is higher in butterfat than standard U.S. butter.
For the gremolata




  • 1 cup coarsely shredded dried bread crumbs




  • 2 to 3 Tbs. olive oil




  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper




  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced




  • Grated zest of 1 lemon




  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley or chives






  • 1 large leek, white and light green parts only, outer layers discarded and thinly sliced (3 to 3-1/2 cups)




  • 2 Tbs. unsalted butter




  • 3 Tbs. crème fraîche or heavy cream




  • 1/4 cup water




  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt




  • 7 grinds of black pepper




  • 1-3/4 to 2 cups shelled fresh or frozen English peas




  • 12 to 18 jumbo scallops, depending on everyone’s appetite




  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper




  • 1 cup clarified Irish butter




  • Grated zest and juice of 2 lemons




  • Watercress sprigs, for garnish




Tip:
To clarify the butter, melt it over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, until golden but not browned. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve or a coffee filter into a heatproof container, leaving the milk solids behind in the sieve or filter.


Make the gremolata:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Put the bread crumbs in a small bowl, drizzle with the olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly. Spread in a pie pan or small baking sheet and toast for 7 to 8 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Just before serving, stir in the garlic, lemon zest, and parsley.



Prepare the leeks and peas:

In a saucepan, combine the leek, butter, crème fraîche, water, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the leeks are a little tender and the sauce is reducing. Use your best judgment as to when to add the peas. If they are fresh but starchy they may take some time, so add them as soon as the leeks start to soften. If they are frozen, they may take just 2 to 3 minutes, so add them at the end. Shake the pan occasionally during cooking to change what is on the bottom of the pan with what is on the top. Cook until the vegetables are tender.



Finish the dish:

Once the vegetables are cooking, season the scallops on both sides with salt and pepper. In a big sauté pan (large enough to hold all of the scallops in a single layer), melt the butter over medium heat. When the butter is hot and foamy, add the scallops and poach gently for 3 to 5 minutes, basting as needed, until just done. They are ready when they feel just firm to the touch.


To serve, spoon the vegetables into individual deep plates or shallow soup bowls and top with the scallops. Add the lemon zest and juice to the butter from the scallop pan, then drizzle over the scallops. Sprinkle with some of the gremolata and garnish with the watercress.




Cindy's Supper Club cookbook


Blacker & Tanner

This cocktail takes the classic Black & Tan—stout and pale ale—and cranks it up, blacker and tanner, with a double IPA and an imperial stout. You won’t get the ‘layered’ effect, which comes from the nitrogenation of most dry stouts, but you’ll get the blending of the big hops of the IPA and the burnt bitterness of the imperial stout. This cocktail is about twice as strong as a standard beer.
For more beer and classic cocktail recipes, visit our Drinks & Entertaining Guide.



  • 1 12-fl. oz. bottle double IPA, such as Dogfish Head 90 Minute or Stone Ruination IPA, chilled




  • 1 12- fl. oz. bottle imperial stout, such as North Coast Old Rasputin or Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, chilled




Fill two chilled pint glasses with equal amounts of the IPA and the stout. Stir gently, and drink slowly.


Irish Butter-Poached Scallops with Leeks and Sweet Garden Peas

Irish butter is much richer and has fewer milk solids than the everyday butter sold in the United States. You can substitute the more widely available European-style butter, which, like Irish butter, is higher in butterfat than standard U.S. butter.
For the gremolata




  • 1 cup coarsely shredded dried bread crumbs




  • 2 to 3 Tbs. olive oil




  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper




  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced




  • Grated zest of 1 lemon




  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley or chives






  • 1 large leek, white and light green parts only, outer layers discarded and thinly sliced (3 to 3-1/2 cups)




  • 2 Tbs. unsalted butter




  • 3 Tbs. crème fraîche or heavy cream




  • 1/4 cup water




  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt




  • 7 grinds of black pepper




  • 1-3/4 to 2 cups shelled fresh or frozen English peas




  • 12 to 18 jumbo scallops, depending on everyone’s appetite




  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper




  • 1 cup clarified Irish butter




  • Grated zest and juice of 2 lemons




  • Watercress sprigs, for garnish




Tip:
To clarify the butter, melt it over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, until golden but not browned. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve or a coffee filter into a heatproof container, leaving the milk solids behind in the sieve or filter.


Make the gremolata:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Put the bread crumbs in a small bowl, drizzle with the olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly. Spread in a pie pan or small baking sheet and toast for 7 to 8 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Just before serving, stir in the garlic, lemon zest, and parsley.



Prepare the leeks and peas:

In a saucepan, combine the leek, butter, crème fraîche, water, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the leeks are a little tender and the sauce is reducing. Use your best judgment as to when to add the peas. If they are fresh but starchy they may take some time, so add them as soon as the leeks start to soften. If they are frozen, they may take just 2 to 3 minutes, so add them at the end. Shake the pan occasionally during cooking to change what is on the bottom of the pan with what is on the top. Cook until the vegetables are tender.



Finish the dish:

Once the vegetables are cooking, season the scallops on both sides with salt and pepper. In a big sauté pan (large enough to hold all of the scallops in a single layer), melt the butter over medium heat. When the butter is hot and foamy, add the scallops and poach gently for 3 to 5 minutes, basting as needed, until just done. They are ready when they feel just firm to the touch.


To serve, spoon the vegetables into individual deep plates or shallow soup bowls and top with the scallops. Add the lemon zest and juice to the butter from the scallop pan, then drizzle over the scallops. Sprinkle with some of the gremolata and garnish with the watercress.




Cindy's Supper Club cookbook


Slow-Cooker Steak and Guinness Pie

This simple version of the classic Irish dish has the distinctive bitter flavor of Guinness stout. Although it’s slow-cooked, the hearty beef stew requires minimal prep time. When it’s ready, the puff pastry “tops” are baked separately and served alongside.



  • 1-1/8 oz. (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour; more for rolling




  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper




  • 2 lb. boneless beef chuck, trimmed of excess fat, cut into 1-inch pieces




  • 2 large carrots, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds




  • 1 large yellow onion, coarsely chopped




  • 3 large cloves garlic, minced




  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme




  • 1 (12-oz.) bottle Guinness (or other stout)




  • 1 cup lower-salt beef broth




  • 2 large russet potatoes (about 1-1/2 lb.), washed and cut into 1-inch cubes




  • Nonstick cooking spray




  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (about 9 oz.), thawed overnight in the refrigerator




In a large bowl, combine the flour, 2 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. pepper. Toss the beef in the flour mixture to coat. Transfer the mixture (including excess flour) to a 6-quart slow cooker and then add the carrots, onion, garlic, and thyme. Slowly pour in the Guinness and then stir in the beef broth. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Add the potatoes and continue cooking until the meat and the potatoes are fork-tender, about 1 hour more.


Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 375°F. Coat a large rimmed baking sheet with the cooking spray. On a lightly floured surface, roll the puff pastry sheet into a 10x14-inch rectangle. Put it on the prepared baking sheet and bake until golden-brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly on a rack, and cut into quarters.


To serve, lay the puff pastry quarters in 4 wide, shallow bowls and spoon the stew over the pastry.


Honeydew-Cucumber Shake with Cucumber Granita

So pale is this shake’s green shade that you could almost call it silver. A cap of luminous, icy, cucumber-flavored granita, even paler green if that’s possible, completes a look that is about as debonair as a milkshake can be. The high water content of honeydew gives this shake a slightly thinner and even more slurpable consistency than most shakes.
Visit our Drinks & Entertaining page for more fun summer drinks and shakes.



  • 2 Tbs. granulated sugar




  • Pinch of salt




  • 1 Tbs. freshly squeezed lime juice




  • 3/4 medium cucumber (about 8 ounces), peeled, seeded, and roughly chopped (about 1 cup)




  • 1/2 small, ripe honeydew melon (about 1 lb.), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks (about 3 cups)




  • 6 medium scoops vanilla bean or original vanilla ice cream (about 1-1/2 pints), softened until just melty at the edges




For the granita:

Bring the sugar and 2 Tbs. water to a gentle boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, swirling the pan to dissolve the sugar; reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 2 minutes. Off the heat, cool the syrup to room temperature. Place the syrup, salt, 2 tsp. of the lime juice, and the cucumber in a blender and puree until smooth. Pour the cucumber mixture into a shallow container. Cover and freeze until softly frozen (not solid), 2-1/2  to 3 hours. Remove from the freezer and gently run a dinner fork through the frozen mass to break it down into loose, icy crystals. Cover the container and return it to the freezer. Freeze until firm, checking and raking the granita with the fork every hour or two to keep the crystals loose and fine, at least 7 hours.



For the shake:

Place 1/2 cup of granita, the honeydew, and the remaining 1 tsp. of lime juice in a blender and blend to break down the honeydew completely, about 1 minute. Add the ice cream and pulse several times to begin breaking it up. With the blender motor off, use a flexible spatula to mash the mixture down onto the blender blades. Continue pulsing, stopping, and mashing until the mixture is well blended, thick, and moves easily in the blender jar, roughly 30 to 90 seconds. Pour into a chilled glass or glasses, top each with 1/2 cup granita, and serve at once.







Irish Cream Caramel Cheesecake

A shot of Irish cream in the creamy filling and a luscious caramel topping make this cheesecake the perfect way to cap off a St. Patrick's Day menu. Create your own customized cheesecake recipe with our Recipe Maker.
For the crust:




  • 8 oz. chocolate wafers, finely crushed (2 cups of crumbs)




  • 3 Tbs. granulated sugar




  • 7 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted



For the filling:




  • 4 8-oz. packages cream cheese, at room temperature




  • 2 Tbs. all-purpose flour




  • Table salt




  • 1-1/4 cups granulated sugar




  • 3 Tbs. Baileys




  • 1 Tbs. pure vanilla extract




  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature



For the caramel topping:




  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar




  • 1/2 cup heavy cream




  • 2 Tbs. unsalted butter




Make the crust:

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 375°F.


In a medium bowl, stir together the chocolate wafer crumbs and 3 Tbs. granulated sugar. Mix in the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moist and clump together slightly. Transfer the mixture to a 9-inch springform pan and press evenly onto the bottom and about 2 inches up the sides of the pan (to press, use plastic wrap or a flat-bottom measuring cup). Bake until the crust is fragrant and slightly darkened, 9 to 12 minutes. Let the pan cool on a rack. Lower the oven temperature to 300°F.



Fill and bake the cheesecake:

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, flour, and a pinch of table salt on medium speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl and the paddle frequently, until very smooth and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Make sure the cheese has no lumps. Add the 1-1/4 cups granulated sugar and continue beating until well blended and smooth.


Add the Baileys and vanilla and beat until blended, about 30 seconds. Add the eggs one at a time, beating just until blended. (Don’t overbeat once the eggs have been added or the cheesecake will puff too much and crack as it cools.) Pour the filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top.


Bake at 300°F until the center jiggles like Jell-O when nudged, 55 to 65 minutes. The cake will be slightly puffed around the edges, and the center will still look moist. Set on a rack and cool completely. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 8 hours and up to 3 days. The cake can also be frozen at this point for up to 1 month (see make-ahead tip, below).



Top and serve:

In a 2-quart saucepan, combine the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 3 Tbs. water and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the liquid is clear, 2 to 3 minutes. Increase the heat to medium high and cook without stirring until the sugar begins to turn golden-brown on the edges. Gently swirl the pan over the heat to even out the color, and cook until the sugar turns golden-amber, 3 to 5 minutes. Off the heat, carefully add the cream, butter, and a pinch of table salt. Cook, whisking constantly over medium-low heat until well blended and smooth. Set aside until the caramel has cooled, about 15 minutes.


Unclasp and remove the side of the springform pan and run a long, thin metal spatula under the bottom crust of the cheesecake. Carefully slide the cake onto a flat serving plate. Pour the caramel topping onto the cheesecake and spread evenly.


To cut, run a thin knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and cut the cake into slices, heating and wiping the knife after every slice.


Warm Chocolate-Stout Brownie Sundaes

Stout not only gives these brownies a moist texture but also serves as the base for an unusual chocolate sauce. If you can’t find chocolate stout, regular stout is fine.
For the brownies:




  • 2 oz. (4 Tbs.) unsalted butter




  • 3 oz. bittersweet chocolate (70% to 75% cacao), coarsely chopped (about 3/4 cup)




  • 1/2 tsp. instant espresso powder




  • 1/4 tsp. pure vanilla extract




  • 1/8 tsp. table salt




  • 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar




  • 1 large egg, at room temperature




  • 1/4 cup chocolate stout, at room temperature




  • 1-1/8 oz. (1/4 cup) unbleached all-purpose flour



For the sauce:




  • 1/2 cup chocolate stout




  • 3-1/2 oz. bittersweet chocolate (70% to 75% cacao), chopped (generous 3/4 cup)




  • 2 Tbs. granulated sugar




  • 1/4 cup heavy cream



For serving:




  • 1 quart dulce de leche ice cream




Make the brownies:

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 375°F. Line 6 standard-size muffin cups with cupcake liners.


In a 4-cup Pyrex measuring cup, microwave the butter on high until melted and very hot, 60 to 90 seconds. Add the chocolate to the melted butter and microwave on high for 30 seconds; let stand 1 minute. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth, heating more, if necessary, in 15 second bursts.


Whisk the espresso powder, vanilla, and salt into the chocolate mixture. Whisk in the brown sugar until it begins to dissolve, about 30 seconds. Whisk in the egg until the mixture is thick and smooth, 30 to 45 seconds. Whisk in the stout and then the flour until the mixture is completely smooth, about 30 seconds.


Portion the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each three-quarters full. Bake until the centers are barely set and a tester inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool slightly.



Make the sauce:

Meanwhile, in a heavy-duty 1-quart saucepan, boil the stout over high heat until reduced by half, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add the chocolate and sugar; let stand 1 minute. Add the cream and whisk until smooth.



Serve the sundaes:

Remove the warm brownies from the liners and put them on small dessert plates. Top each with some of the ice cream and sauce and serve.


Guinness-Gingerbread Cupcakes

These cupcakes, inspired by New York City pastry chef Claudia Fleming, are an intriguing combination of gingerbread and rich, malty stout. Topped with a bright-tasting lime frosting to complement the spicy cake, these cupcakes make a perfect grown-up treat for St. Patrick’s Day.
For the cupcakes:




  • 1/2 cup stout beer, such as Guinness




  • 1/2 cup  mild-flavored molasses




  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil




  • 1/4 tsp. baking soda 




  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar




  • 1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour




  • 1-1/4 tsp. baking powder




  • 2 tsp.ground ginger




  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon




  • 1/4 tsp. ground cloves




  • 1/2 tsp. table salt




  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature




  • 1/2 cup finely minced candied ginger



For the frosting




  • 4 Tbs. (2 oz.) salted or unsalted butter, at room temperature




  • 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted




  • 2-1/2 Tbs. freshly squeezed lime juice, or more to taste




  • 1 Tbs. whole milk







  • Strips of candied citrus peel or candied ginger, for garnish







Make the cupcakes:


Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

To make the cupcakes, in a very large saucepan, bring the stout, molasses, and oil to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from the heat and whisk in the baking soda until dissolved. (The mixture will foam up, then settle down.) Stir in the brown sugar, then let cool until tepid.


 


Into a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.


 


Whisk the eggs into the stout mixture, then whisk in the flour mixture just until incorporated. Don’t overmix. Gently stir in the minced candied ginger.


 


Divide the batter among the cupcake liners and bake until the cupcakes feel just set in the center, 22 to 24 minutes. Let cool completely.



Make the frosting:


In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed until smooth, about 10 seconds. Decrease the speed to low and, with the mixer running, gradually add half of the confectioners' sugar. Stop the mixer and scrape down the bowl as needed to make sure the ingredients are being incorporated. Add the lime juice, then add the remaining confectioners' sugar. Once the sugar is incorporated, add the milk. Beat the frosting on high speed until completely smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Taste, and add a few more drops of lime juice, if desired.


 


Transfer the frosting to a pastry bag fitted with a star tip. Remove the cupcakes from the muffin tin. Pipe rosettes of frosting in the center of each cupcake. (If you don’t have a pastry bag, you can spoon a mound of frosting decoratively in the center.) Garnish each with strips of candied citrus peel or a piece of candied ginger.




Ready for Dessert cookbook


Cream Scones

While most scones are made with cream, the secret to this version is whipping the cream to soft peaks before folding it with the dry ingredients. The air trapped in the cream helps the scones rise, making them extra soft and light. Brushing the scones with a little extra cream and sprinkling them with sugar adds crunch and makes the tops sparkle a bit. If you prefer to skip that step, you’ll get more rustic-looking but equally tasty scones.



  • 1 cup plus 2 tsp. chilled heavy cream




  • 10-5/8 oz. (2-1/3 cups) unbleached all-purpose flour; more as needed




  • 3 Tbs. granulated sugar




  • 1 Tbs. baking powder (preferably aluminum-free)




  • 3/8 tsp. fine sea salt or table salt




  • 5 oz. (10 Tbs.) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes




  • 1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. honey




  • 1 Tbs. turbinado sugar (such as Sugar in the Raw) or granulated sugar




Chill a medium metal mixing bowl and the beaters of an electric hand mixer (or the bowl and whisk attachment of a stand mixer) in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.


Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment.


Beat 1 cup of the cream in the chilled bowl on medium-high speed just until soft peaks form, 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 minutes; refrigerate while you mix the other ingredients.


In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter and toss with your fingers to coat. Press the butter between your fingers to form very thin flakes, tossing them back in the flour mixture between passes until all of the butter is pressed into dime-size flakes.


Make a well in the center of the mixture and add the whipped cream and honey. Use a silicone spatula to fold the ingredients together until incorporated.


Lightly knead the dough in the bowl just until it holds together. Turn it out onto a lightly floured counter. Gently knead it a few more times, then transfer it to a 9-inch cake pan lined with plastic wrap and pat it into a flat disk (or shape it by hand on a cutting board into a 9 x 3/4-inch disk). Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10 minutes.


If the dough was shaped in a cake pan, invert it onto a cutting board. Remove the plastic.


With a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 even wedges. Arrange the wedges 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Brush the scones with the remaining 2 tsp. cream and sprinkle with the turbinado sugar.


Bake the scones until lightly browned on top, 15 to 20 minutes.


Spread an unscented, lint-free linen or cotton towel on a large wire rack and put the baked scones on top. Fold the towel over loosely and allow the scones to cool until warm or at room temperature before serving.


Corned Beef Hash

Use your leftover corned beef to make this revelatory hash, perfect for Sunday brunch. Four kinds of root vegetables, sauteed to caramelize them and bring out their sweetness, make the perfect counterpart to the salty corned beef.



  • 6 Tbs. vegetable or canola oil; more as needed




  • 1 medium russet potato, peeled & cut into 1/2-inch dice (about 2 cups)




  • 1 medium celery root, peeled & cut into 1/2-inch dice (about 2-1/2 cups)




  • 1 medium yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice (about 1 cup)




  • 1 small purple-top turnip (or 1/2 Macomber turnip), peeled & cut into 1/2-inch dice   (about 1 cup)




  • 1/8 large rutabaga, peeled & cut into 1/2-inch dice (about 1/2 cup)




  • 1 medium clove garlic, minced




  • 1 Tbs. fresh thyme leaves




  • 3 Tbs. unsalted butter




  • 1 lb. cooked corned beef, cut into 1/2-inch dice (about 3-1/2 cups)




  • 1 cup reserved corned beef cooking liquid, or lower-salt beef or chicken broth




  • 1 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley




  • 1 Tbs. thinly sliced chives




  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper





In a 12-inch skillet, heat 1/4 cup of the oil over medium-high heat. Add the potato, celery root, onion, turnip, rutabaga, garlic and thyme, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are golden-brown on all sides, 7 to 8 minutes.


Add 3/4 cup of the brisket cooking liquid. Cook on medium-high heat to reduce the liquid to a syrupy consistency, about 2 minutes. Add 2 Tbs. of the butter and stir until melted and well mixed with the vegetables. Remove from the heat and set aside.


Heat the remaining 2 Tbs. oil in a large (11- to 12-inch) cast iron pan or heavy-duty skillet over high heat. Add the corned beef in a single layer. Sear without stirring until it develops good color, about 3 minutes. Stir the beef and add 1 Tbs. of additional oil if the pan looks dry. Sear for about 3 more minutes to brown on the other sides.


Fold in the vegetables and the remaining 1/4 cup cooking liquid. Stir in the remaining 1 Tbs. of butter, and the parsley and chives. Cook over medium heat until the liquid is completely evaporated, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.


Creamy Lime Ricotta Tart in a Gingersnap Crust





  • 15-oz. container whole-milk ricotta (about 1-1/2 cups)




  • 3 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature




  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar




  • 2 Tbs. unbleached all-purpose flour




  • 1/4 tsp. table salt




  • 3 large egg yolks




  • 1 Tbs. finely grated lime zest




  • 1 Tbs. lime juice




  • 1 Press-In Cookie Crust, baked and cooled (I like gingersnaps for this tart)




  • Strips of lime zest, for garnish (optional)





Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta and cream cheese. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until well blended and no lumps remain, about 3 minutes. Add the sugar, flour, and salt and continue beating until well blended, about 1 min. Add the egg yolks, lime zest, and lime juice. Beat until just incorporated. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the filling into the crust and spread the filling evenly.


Bake the tart until the filling just barely jiggles when the pan is nudged, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool completely on a rack. Refrigerate the tart in the pan until chilled and firm, 2 to 3 hours. Serve garnished with strips of lime zest, if you like.