Bailey's Irish Cream Pie

Last but not least, a delightful dessert.  Not sure how traditional it is, but it's got Bailey's so that makes it Irish enough for me!  : )  Unfortunately this dessert got eaten before I even had a chance to take a photo with the filling.  Guess that means it turned out pretty good!  ; )

Ingredients:

• 1 recipe of pastry dough (see the pork and mushroom pie recipe below for ingredients and directions)
• 3 eggs, separated
• a pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup Bailey's
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 12 oz container of whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

Directions:

1. Bake the pie shell at 350 degrees F for 15 - 20 minutes or until slightly toasted.
2. Beat the eggs whites until stiff. Set aside.
3. In a separate container beat eggs yolks until lemon-coloured.  Mix in salt, Bailey's and milk.  Cook in a double boiler until the mixture thickens.  This may take a while, be patient and don't forget to stir!
4. Let the egg mixture cool a bit before folding in egg whites and whipped topping. Mix using a gentle folding motion until well blended.
5. Scrape the filling into the baked pie shell.  Cover and put in the freezer for at least 4 hours before serving.  It will keep for days, just take it out about a hour before you want to serve it so that it is soft enough to cut.
6. For fun toppings, garnish with shaved chocolate or shamrock shaped pastry cut-outs from leftover dough.

Pork & Mushroom Pie

Second recipe of the day, a beautiful dish that's sure to be a comfort food favourite!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white rice flour
• 1/2 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup cold butter
• iced water
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups chopped mushrooms
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 lb pork, cubed
• 1 cup beef stock
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp ground pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg

Directions:

1. Mix flours and salt.  Cut in butter to make a crumbly mixture.  Add in cold water 1 tbsp at a time until you get a good consistancy for pastry dough. 
2. You can either make one large pie or individual pies, I've done both and prefer the individuals, as they present and serve a lot nicer, but either way works.  Roll out your pastry and line your pie dish or baking cups with a little over half the dough (keep the other half to make the top).
3. In a fry pan melt the butter.  Add in onions and mushrooms, sauté until they are slightly golden. 
4. Add in the pork and fry until the meat is lightly browned.
5. Pour in stock and add seasoning.  Cover and let it all simmer for 10 - 15 minutes.
6. Spoon the pork mixture in the pie(s).  Most of the liquid should have evaporated during cooking, if not, try to drain some of it out, as too much will make the dough very soggy.
7. Roll out remaining pastry to make the top of the pie.  Pinch the edges shut.  Using a sharp knife, cut little slits for steam vents on the top of the pie(s).
8. Brush the pastry with a beaten egg to create a nice golden crust.
9. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 - 40 minutes, until pastry is crispy and toasted.

Irish Apple Potato Pancakes

St. Patrick's Day has always been a special holiday for me, and an unending source of culinary inspiration.  From traditional boxty to soda bread to steak & Guiness pie I usually eat all Irish, all day.  : ) Mmmmm!  This year I decided to try and spice up my regular menu with a few new spins on old favourites.

First up, rather than simple boxty (potato pancakes), I tried out an apple-potato version with great success!

 Ingredients:

• 2 apples, grated
• 1 large potato, grated
• 1/2 cup white rice flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 2 eggs
• oil

Directions:

1. Toss grated apple and potato with rice flour and salt.  Stir in applesauce and eggs.
2. Heat oil in a fry pan. Drop batter by spoonfuls in the pan and fry on each side for a few minutes, just until golden.  Do not fully cook.
3. Grease a large cookie sheet.  Put pancakes on the cookie sheet after you finish frying them.
4. Bake at 450 degrees F for 10 - 15 minutes, until fully cooked and toasted.

These are great served with fish, scrambled eggs or just on their own topped with syrup or applesauce or even cinnamon sugar.  A very versatile little number this one is!  : )