'GOOD HEALTH, GOOD LUCK, AND HAPPINESS' ~ IRISH WHISKEY SOAKED DARK CHOCOLATE CAKE / MURPHY'S IRISH COFFEE
For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way -
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.
(Irish Blessing)
SHAMROCK
( Oxalis regnellii)
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IRISH WHISKEY SOAKED DARK CHOCOLATE CAKE
(adapted from Dec. 3, 2008 New York Times)
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1 cup room temperature unsalted butter
(additional butter for greasing pan)
2 cups all purpose flour (additional for dusting pan)
5 oz. unsweetened chocolate
1/4 instant espresso powder
2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup Irish whiskey (other whiskey, bourbon or rye - additional for sprinkling)
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. baking soda
Confectioners' sugar for garnish
fresh mint sprigs
- Preheat oven to 325º. Grease and flour a 10 cup capacity Bundt pan or two 8-9 inch loaf pans. Melt chocolate in double boiler over simmering water or in microwave. Let cool.
- Add espresso and cocoa powders in large glass measuring cup. Add enough boiling water to come up to the 1 cup measuring line. Mix until powders dissolve. Add whiskey and salt; let cool.
- Beat 1 cup butter with electric mixer until fluffy. Add sugar and beat until well combined. Beat in eggs, one at at time, beating well between each addition. Beat in vanilla, baking soda and melted chocolate, scraping down sides of bowl with a rubber spatula.
- On low speed, beat in a third of the whiskey mixture. When liquid is absorbed, beat in 1 cup flour. Repeat additions, ending with whiskey mixture. Scrape batter into prepared pan and smooth top. Bake until cake tester inserted into center of cake comes our clean, about 1 hour 10 minutes for Bundt pan (loaf pans will take less time, start checking after 55 minutes.)
- Transfer cake to a rack. Unmold after 15 minutes and sprinkle warm cake with more whiskey. Let cool before serving. Garnish with confectioners' sugar and sprigs of mint. (10-12 servings)
MURPHY'S IRISH COFFEE
~ a healthy jigger of Brandy
(Brian's claim to smoothness instead of Irish whiskey)
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freshly brewed rich black coffee
1 healthy tsp. brown sugar
1 healthy jigger Brandy (or Irish whiskey)
fresh whipping cream
~ a healthy jigger of Brandy
(Brian's claim to smoothness instead of Irish whiskey)
___
freshly brewed rich black coffee
1 healthy tsp. brown sugar
1 healthy jigger Brandy (or Irish whiskey)
fresh whipping cream
1 Tbsp. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
freshly grated nutmeg, chocolate, or cinnamon
- In chilled bowl, whip cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar & vanilla. Continue whipping until medium-firm peaks forms.
- Warm Irish coffee glass in hot water. Wipe dry. 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 from top of glass. Carefully top with whipped cream. Garnish with grated fresh nutmeg, chocolate shavings or cinnamon.
Important Note: Toast loved ones while sipping through the rich cream.
(In Memory: Thanks Brian!)
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"Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat."
~ Alex Levin
Comments
The collage of tiny Oxalis plants is lovely.
Eileen
I have my camera at work, so I'm going to grab a photo that I can post tomorrow. Thanks for the great idea.
Blessings to you!
Kiki~
Indeed, Eileen. Now, wouldn't that be fun! I include this Irish Coffee recipe every St. Patrick's Day in honor of a dear friend, Brian, who died way too young, and first introduced me to this memorable drink.
How sweet, Tatyana. What a great idea ... the way tech is exploding, it probably won't be long before we at least have 'smellavision'.
And Happy St. Paddy's to you, Stone Art, and thanks for visitng! Just returned from your amazing site ... fell in love with the living chair and want one ... NOW :)
They last forever, Lindalou. I have several that are umpteen years old. Go grab your camera and share!
(I'm still chuckling returning from your post and the fun comments).
Indeed it is, Michelle! Hey look at the temp ... currently 61º. The entire state is coming down with a huge case of 'Spring Fever'!
And blessings to you, dear Kiki! St. Paddy's Day is a fun day to reflect ... the only one in my family not Irish, I probably enjoy it the most!
I love the shamrock-there were several plantings of them at the flower show. There were 2 varieties, the one green leaves and one with burgandy. Very pretty both of them especially used in a border. Happy St. Pat's Day to you and may the luck of the Irish be with you.
Thanks dear Shady. The kids have moved away from home but thankful all live close and always return. Tomorrow is celebrating with daughter and friends, a 'green' supper! Sure to be fun :)
Hello, dear Beckie. Ok to look ... I'll take a bite and think of you :) I have both green/burgundy ... this plant is very forgiving and seems to last forever. I vacation mine outside in summer and drag them back into reality when the temps dive. They seem to love their insecure life and thrive :0) And may the luck of the Irish be with you also, dear friend!
That's assuming I didn't consume the whiskey mixture before getting to this step:)
This is the first time in many years that I've been without a shamrock plant on St. Patrick's Day. I'll be content looking at your shamrock bloom photo. Nice!
donna
... and a Happy St. Paddy's Day to you, Kala!
Hi Donna ... aw, yes, it's fun to lick your fingers and scrape the bowl. Enjoy this fun St. Patrick's Day!
Have a wonderful day!
Marnie
Happy St. Patrick's Day, Marnie! So enjoyed your post and colorful tale :)
Frances
Right on, Frances. This dessert does improve with age (if it lasts). Hope you day was delightful!
Thanks Krista ... I just returned visiting your site and am most impressed with your shared list. You are blessed!
May the road rise up to meet you,
may the wind be always at your back,
may the sun shine warm upon your face,
and the rains fall soft upon your fields;
may you always be held in the warmth of God's hand.