With St. Patrick’s Day approaching, thoughts have drifted to things Irish. Why, even a Columbus-Lowndes Humane Society fundraising “pawty” on March 17 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Zachary’s downtown will revel in a whole St. Paddy’s vibe. Live music (from 2-7 p.m.), Irish-inspired foods and, yes, green beer, will be available, and donations of supplies or cash for the shelter will be most welcome.
Green beer is an American custom, but bringing it up helps us segue to what many an Irishman (and woman) will be raising come March 17 — a frothy-topped pint of Guinness. (And that’s the near-20-ounce British “imperial” pint, about 4 ounces more than an American pint.)
My one and only close encounter with the dark Irish stout was in a boistrously happy pub in Dingle — Daingean Ui Chuis — a small port town in County Kerry, on the Atlantic coast of Ireland. This Mississippi teetotaler was surrounded by friends more adventurous, so when our server brought them the legendary dark brew in glasses holding what looked to be enough to float an Irish sheep or two, I sampled. Ireland’s famous drink dating back to the 1700s is robust, bold and uniquely “burnt,” thanks to its roasted barley. And it’s touted as one of the best beers in the world to cook everything from beer-battered fish to brownies with.
“Guinness has that sweet maltiness that cooking just enhances, and it goes particularly well with chocolate, sort of like coffee,” said food writer Ashley Martell at foodal.com.
It can also add a warm depth, a subtle complexity to everything from gumbo to ice cream, American-Statesman food writer Addie Broyles has stated.
With a nod to an ancient, beautiful and still mysterious Ireland, here are a few introductory recipes that call for Guinness — plus a recipe for an Irish grilled cheese, just because it sounds like such easy way to turn an everyday staple into something with a bit o’flair.
GUINNESS CHEESE FONDUE
2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (Irish cheese, if can, such as Kerrygold Vintage Dubliner & Kerrygold Skellig)
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup Guinness beer
1/4 cup milk
Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
Pinch or two of cayenne pepper
Vegetables and bread for dipping
(Source: themerrythought.com)
CHEESY GUINNESS BREAD
1 large boule of bread
1 stick butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1/3 cup Guinness
2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
(Source: delish.com)
CHOCOLATE GUINNESS CAKE
Makes 12 servings
Prep time: 25 minutes
Bake time: 45 minutes
1 cup Guinness dark beer
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup baking cocoa
2 eggs, beaten
2/3 cup sour cream
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
For the topping:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
(Source: tasteofhome.com. Originally published as Chocolate Guinness Cake in Country Woman February/March 2011)
IRISH GRILLED CHEESE
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
4 tablespoons softened butter
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 tablespoons scallions
2 tablespoons chives
8 slices white bread
Sliced Irish cheddar cheese
Bread and butter pickles
(Source: foodnetwork.com)
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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