Irish Whiskey Caramels

It's March.

In my world, that means that all of the stores near me are selling St. Patty's day goodies, from food to home decor to holiday outfits.  Everything is shamrocks and leprechauns and 'kiss me, i'm irish'.  For someone like me, who is part Irish, I like to use this time of the year to focus my attention on my Irish heritage.  This goes for not only food, but celebrating different Irish traditions as well.  At some point in the year, my claddaugh ring comes off and I only remember to put it back on in March.  I decorate my house with lots of green pillows, shamrock crafts and Gaelic quote boards on the wall.  Almost everything I bake is infused with green food coloring. 

If you couldn't tell, I take things way too far, way too often.

I love celebrating even the smallest things, so Saint Patrick's Day for me is an all-month event.  So it would make sense that I spend all month sharing my favorite Irish recipes. Some of these recipes are pretty authentic while some are more inspired by flavors I associate with St. Patty's day. 

Some are savory and some are sweet.  You'll get multiple menus worth of ideas here for the month of March!

So. in honor of this wonderfully, bright green holiday, I'm devoting this whole month to giving you some Irish-influenced recipes that will get you in the Erin Go Bragh spirit!

Irish Whiskey Caramels

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 stick unsalted butter

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

11/2 tsp coarse sea salt

1½ cups sugar

¼ cup light corn syrup

¼ cup Irish Whiskey, or to taste

Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.

Combine cream, butter, vanilla extract and salt in a saucepan over medium heat.  Bring to a low boil for one minute, then remove from heat.

In another saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup and whiskey over medium heat.  Bring to a boil, stirring gently.  When the sugar mixture turns a caramel color, stir in the cream mixture slowly.  Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. 

Using a candy thermometer, bring the temperature of the caramel mixture to approximately 248F.  Remove from heat and pour into the 8x8 pan.

Let cool completely before cutting.  

Irish Whiskey Caramel Sauce

It's March.

In my world, that means that all of the stores near me are selling St. Patty's day goodies, from food to home decor to holiday outfits.  Everything is shamrocks and leprechauns and 'kiss me, i'm irish'.  For someone like me, who is part Irish, I like to use this time of the year to focus my attention on my Irish heritage.  This goes for not only food, but celebrating different Irish traditions as well.  At some point in the year, my claddaugh ring comes off and I only remember to put it back on in March.  I decorate my house with lots of green pillows, shamrock crafts and Gaelic quote boards on the wall.  Almost everything I bake is infused with green food coloring. 

If you couldn't tell, I take things way too far, way too often.

I love celebrating even the smallest things, so Saint Patrick's Day for me is an all-month event.  So it would make sense that I spend all month sharing my favorite Irish recipes. Some of these recipes are pretty authentic while some are more inspired by flavors I associate with St. Patty's day. 

Some are savory and some are sweet.  You'll get multiple menus worth of ideas here for the month of March!

So. in honor of this wonderfully, bright green holiday, I'm devoting this whole month to giving you some Irish-influenced recipes that will get you in the Erin Go Bragh spirit!

Irish Whiskey Caramel Sauce

1 3/4 heavy cream

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup Irish whiskey, or to taste
1/4 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp  salt

In a large bowl, combine cream, vanilla and salt.

Pour sugar in saucepan over medium heat.  Stir slowly as the sugar begins to melt and brown.

Once the sugar dissolves and turns a dark caramel color, remove from heat.  Slowly incorporate the cream mixture with a whisk.  Increase speed in stirring when the bubbling begins to settle.  Add in the whiskey.  Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth.

Let cool completely.

Use over desserts or ice cream.  

Irish Whiskey Caramel Mousse

It's March.

In my world, that means that all of the stores near me are selling St. Patty's day goodies, from food to home decor to holiday outfits.  Everything is shamrocks and leprechauns and 'kiss me, i'm irish'.  For someone like me, who is part Irish, I like to use this time of the year to focus my attention on my Irish heritage.  This goes for not only food, but celebrating different Irish traditions as well.  At some point in the year, my claddaugh ring comes off and I only remember to put it back on in March.  I decorate my house with lots of green pillows, shamrock crafts and Gaelic quote boards on the wall.  Almost everything I bake is infused with green food coloring. 

If you couldn't tell, I take things way too far, way too often.

I love celebrating even the smallest things, so Saint Patrick's Day for me is an all-month event.  So it would make sense that I spend all month sharing my favorite Irish recipes. Some of these recipes are pretty authentic while some are more inspired by flavors I associate with St. Patty's day. 

Some are savory and some are sweet.  You'll get multiple menus worth of ideas here for the month of March!

So. in honor of this wonderfully, bright green holiday, I'm devoting this whole month to giving you some Irish-influenced recipes that will get you in the Erin Go Bragh spirit!









Irish Cream Coffee Mousse

4 egg yolks
1/4 cup caramel sauce
1/4 cup Irish Whiskey 
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp unflavored gelatin



In a very small saucepan, cook the stout for about 5 minutes, or until it reduces by half.

Beat egg yolks in a mixer on high speed for 2-3 minutes.

In a large saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream over medium heat until its hot, but not boiling.  Gradually stir it into the egg yolks to temper them.  Once the mixture is homogenous, return the cream-egg mixture  to the saucepan over low heat.  Cook for 3-5 minutes to thicken without letting the mixture boil.  Remove from heat and stir in gelatin, brown sugar, vanilla, whiskey and caramel

Chill for 2-3 hours.

In a mixer, whip the remaining cup of cream until the mixture produces stiff peaks.  Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mousse mixture.

Serve chilled.

Irish Cream Coffee Mousse

It's March.

In my world, that means that all of the stores near me are selling St. Patty's day goodies, from food to home decor to holiday outfits.  Everything is shamrocks and leprechauns and 'kiss me, i'm irish'.  For someone like me, who is part Irish, I like to use this time of the year to focus my attention on my Irish heritage.  This goes for not only food, but celebrating different Irish traditions as well.  At some point in the year, my claddaugh ring comes off and I only remember to put it back on in March.  I decorate my house with lots of green pillows, shamrock crafts and Gaelic quote boards on the wall.  Almost everything I bake is infused with green food coloring. 

If you couldn't tell, I take things way too far, way too often.

I love celebrating even the smallest things, so Saint Patrick's Day for me is an all-month event.  So it would make sense that I spend all month sharing my favorite Irish recipes. Some of these recipes are pretty authentic while some are more inspired by flavors I associate with St. Patty's day. 

Some are savory and some are sweet.  You'll get multiple menus worth of ideas here for the month of March!

So. in honor of this wonderfully, bright green holiday, I'm devoting this whole month to giving you some Irish-influenced recipes that will get you in the Erin Go Bragh spirit!









Irish Cream Coffee Mousse

4 egg yolks
1/2 cup Irish Cream
1/4 cup freshly brewed coffee 
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp unflavored gelatin



In a very small saucepan, cook the stout for about 5 minutes, or until it reduces by half.

Beat egg yolks in a mixer on high speed for 2-3 minutes.

In a large saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream over medium heat until its hot, but not boiling.  Gradually stir it into the egg yolks to temper them.  Once the mixture is homogenous, return the cream-egg mixture to the saucepan over low heat.  Cook for 3-5 minutes to thicken without letting the mixture boil.  Remove from heat and stir in gelatin, sugar, vanilla, Irish Cream and coffee.

Chill for 2-3 hours.

In a mixer, whip the remaining cup of cream until the mixture produces stiff peaks.  Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mousse mixture.

Serve chilled.

Dark Chocolate Stout Mousse

It's March.

In my world, that means that all of the stores near me are selling St. Patty's day goodies, from food to home decor to holiday outfits.  Everything is shamrocks and leprechauns and 'kiss me, i'm irish'.  For someone like me, who is part Irish, I like to use this time of the year to focus my attention on my Irish heritage.  This goes for not only food, but celebrating different Irish traditions as well.  At some point in the year, my claddaugh ring comes off and I only remember to put it back on in March.  I decorate my house with lots of green pillows, shamrock crafts and Gaelic quote boards on the wall.  Almost everything I bake is infused with green food coloring. 

If you couldn't tell, I take things way too far, way too often.

I love celebrating even the smallest things, so Saint Patrick's Day for me is an all-month event.  So it would make sense that I spend all month sharing my favorite Irish recipes. Some of these recipes are pretty authentic while some are more inspired by flavors I associate with St. Patty's day. 

Some are savory and some are sweet.  You'll get multiple menus worth of ideas here for the month of March!

So. in honor of this wonderfully, bright green holiday, I'm devoting this whole month to giving you some Irish-influenced recipes that will get you in the Erin Go Bragh spirit!








Chocolate Stout Mousse

4 egg yolks
6 oz. dark chocolate, melted
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup stout beer


In a very small saucepan, cook the stout for about 5 minutes, or until it reduces by half.

Beat egg yolks in a mixer on high speed for 2-3 minutes.

In a large saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream over medium heat until its hot, but not boiling.  Gradually stir it into the egg yolks to temper them.  Once the mixture is homogenous, return the cream-egg mixture to the saucepan over low heat.  Cook for 3-5 minutes to thicken without letting the mixture boil.  Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, sugar, stout syrup and melted chocolate.

Chill for 2-3 hours.

In a mixer, whip the remaining cup of cream until the mixture produces stiff peaks.  Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mousse mixture.

Serve chilled.

Chocolate Stout Cheesecake

It's March.

In my world, that means that all of the stores near me are selling St. Patty's day goodies, from food to home decor to holiday outfits.  Everything is shamrocks and leprechauns and 'kiss me, i'm irish'.  For someone like me, who is part Irish, I like to use this time of the year to focus my attention on my Irish heritage.  This goes for not only food, but celebrating different Irish traditions as well.  At some point in the year, my claddaugh ring comes off and I only remember to put it back on in March.  I decorate my house with lots of green pillows, shamrock crafts and Gaelic quote boards on the wall.  Almost everything I bake is infused with green food coloring. 

If you couldn't tell, I take things way too far, way too often.

I love celebrating even the smallest things, so Saint Patrick's Day for me is an all-month event.  So it would make sense that I spend all month sharing my favorite Irish recipes. Some of these recipes are pretty authentic while some are more inspired by flavors I associate with St. Patty's day. 

Some are savory and some are sweet.  You'll get multiple menus worth of ideas here for the month of March!

So. in honor of this wonderfully, bright green holiday, I'm devoting this whole month to giving you some Irish-influenced recipes that will get you in the Erin Go Bragh spirit!












Chocolate Stout Cheesecake

3 8oz. packages cream cheese, softened
8 oz. of dark chocolate, melted
1/4 cup cocoa powder
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup stout beer

Crust:
1 1/2 cups Crushed chocolate cookies (I used Oreos)
1/3 cup butter, melted


Preheat oven 350F.

For the crust, combine the ingredients in a large bowl.  Press down into the bottom of a greased springform pan wrapped in a double layer of aluminum foil.  Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let cool.

Reduce oven temperature to 325F.

In a small pan, cook the stout beer over medium heat until it reduces by 1/2 to about 1/4 cup.

For the filling, beat the cream cheese, sugar, melted chocolate, cocoa powder and stout syrup together on medium until the cream cheese is smooth.  Add eggs and beat for an additional minute on low.  Pour into the crust.  Bake in a water bath for 45-50 minutes.

Refrigerate overnight.

Irish Cream Cheesecake with Chocolate Stout Ganache

It's March.

In my world, that means that all of the stores near me are selling St. Patty's day goodies, from food to home decor to holiday outfits.  Everything is shamrocks and leprechauns and 'kiss me, i'm irish'.  For someone like me, who is part Irish, I like to use this time of the year to focus my attention on my Irish heritage.  This goes for not only food, but celebrating different Irish traditions as well.  At some point in the year, my claddaugh ring comes off and I only remember to put it back on in March.  I decorate my house with lots of green pillows, shamrock crafts and Gaelic quote boards on the wall.  Almost everything I bake is infused with green food coloring. 

If you couldn't tell, I take things way too far, way too often.

I love celebrating even the smallest things, so Saint Patrick's Day for me is an all-month event.  So it would make sense that I spend all month sharing my favorite Irish recipes. Some of these recipes are pretty authentic while some are more inspired by flavors I associate with St. Patty's day. 

Some are savory and some are sweet.  You'll get multiple menus worth of ideas here for the month of March!

So. in honor of this wonderfully, bright green holiday, I'm devoting this whole month to giving you some Irish-influenced recipes that will get you in the Erin Go Bragh spirit!












Irish Cream Cheesecake

3 8oz. packages cream cheese, softened
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup Irish Cream Liqueur

Crust:
1 1/2 cups Crushed chocolate cookies (I used Oreos)
1/3 cup butter, melted

Ganache:
1 cup chocolate chips
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp stout beer

Preheat oven 350F.


For the crust, combine the ingredients in a large bowl.  Press down into the bottom of a greased springform pan wrapped in a double layer of aluminum foil.  Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let cool.

Reduce oven temperature to 325F.

For the filling, beat the cream cheese, sugar and Irish Cream together on medium until the cream cheese is smooth.  Add eggs and beat for an additional minute on low.  Pour into the crust.  Bake in a water bath for 45-50 minutes.

Refrigerate overnight.

For the ganaache, place the stout beer in a very small pan on medium heat.  Let it boil and reduce to simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it reduces by half.  

In a separate, larger pan, bring the heavy cream to a boil.  Remove from heat and pour over a bowl containing the chocolate chips.  Add the stout syrup.  Stir until smooth.  Pour over the chilled cheesecake and let set in the refrigerator until serving.

Irish Cream Cake

It's March.

In my world, that means that all of the stores near me are selling St. Patty's day goodies, from food to home decor to holiday outfits.  Everything is shamrocks and leprechauns and 'kiss me, i'm irish'.  For someone like me, who is part Irish, I like to use this time of the year to focus my attention on my Irish heritage.  This goes for not only food, but celebrating different Irish traditions as well.  At some point in the year, my claddaugh ring comes off and I only remember to put it back on in March.  I decorate my house with lots of green pillows, shamrock crafts and Gaelic quote boards on the wall.  Almost everything I bake is infused with green food coloring. 

If you couldn't tell, I take things way too far, way too often.

I love celebrating even the smallest things, so Saint Patrick's Day for me is an all-month event.  So it would make sense that I spend all month sharing my favorite Irish recipes. Some of these recipes are pretty authentic while some are more inspired by flavors I associate with St. Patty's day. 

Some are savory and some are sweet.  You'll get multiple menus worth of ideas here for the month of March!

So. in honor of this wonderfully, bright green holiday, I'm devoting this whole month to giving you some Irish-influenced recipes that will get you in the Erin Go Bragh spirit!









1 tsp salt
1 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup Irish Cream Liqueur
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp baking powder
2 cups sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
4 eggs


Preheat oven 350F.

Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer.  Mix until smooth,

Distribute the batter evenly between 3 greased 9" pans.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Ice with your favorite buttercream.

Chocolate Stout Buttercream

It's March.

In my world, that means that all of the stores near me are selling St. Patty's day goodies, from food to home decor to holiday outfits.  Everything is shamrocks and leprechauns and 'kiss me, i'm irish'.  For someone like me, who is part Irish, I like to use this time of the year to focus my attention on my Irish heritage.  This goes for not only food, but celebrating different Irish traditions as well.  At some point in the year, my claddaugh ring comes off and I only remember to put it back on in March.  I decorate my house with lots of green pillows, shamrock crafts and Gaelic quote boards on the wall.  Almost everything I bake is infused with green food coloring.

If you couldn't tell, I take things way too far, way too often.

I love celebrating even the smallest things, so Saint Patrick's Day for me is an all-month event.  So it would make sense that I spend all month sharing my favorite Irish recipes. Some of these recipes are pretty authentic while some are more inspired by flavors I associate with St. Patty's day.

Some are savory and some are sweet.  You'll get multiple menus worth of ideas here for the month of March!

So. in honor of this wonderfully, bright green holiday, I'm devoting this whole month to giving you some Irish-influenced recipes that will get you in the Erin Go Bragh spirit!












Chocolate Stout Buttercream

1 stick butter
2 cups confectioner's sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup Guinness

In a small saucepan, bring Guinness to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.  Cook for about 5-10 minutes, or until it has reduced by half.  Remove from heat and let cool.

Combine all the ingredients together in a mixer.  Spread over cake.