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11 Delicious St. Patrick’s Day Recipes

March 16, 2012

St. Patrick’s Day comes at a time of year when everyone needs an excuse to celebrate. Winter is almost over – but not quite – and there hasn’t been a major holiday in months. Given that, it’s no wonder that we tend to go all-out every March 17th. But St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t have to be just about green beer. We’ve collected 11 delicious and different recipe ideas for your St. Patty’s bash that we just know you’ll enjoy.

P.S. If these seem too ambitious for you, we have a hint. Green beer is just beer and food coloring. That’s all. But don’t complain to us if your teeth begin to exude an emerald hue after a few.

1. St. Patty’s Day Doughnuts

What could be a better way to start your celebrations than with a green glazed doughnut first thing in the morning? This recipe is versatile and could easily be modified for any special event (or any Sunday morning).

St. Patty's Day Doughnuts - via The Family Kitchen

Get the full recipe for these St. Patty’s Day Doughnuts over at The Family Kitchen.

2. Green Whoopie Pies

This Green Whoopie Pie recipe uses a modified version of red velvet cake for the outer layers of the whoopie pie and cream cheese frosting for the inside. I’ll admit that this isn’t quite faithful to a true whoopie pie, and in fact sounds a bit more like an inside out cupcake, but frankly I couldn’t care less. It looks incredible. Not only that, but you can eat it without even having to put your beer down!

Green Whoopie Pies - via Love from the Oven

Get the full recipe for these Green Whoopie Pies over at Love from the Oven.

3. Deviled Eggs and Leprechaun Gold

I can barely find the words to describe how adorable and hilarious I think this is. More “creative plating” than “unique recipe”, I’m thoroughly impressed at how the cook was able to take something simple that wouldn’t normally be associated with St. Patrick’s day and put a festive spin on it.

Deviled Eggs and Leprechaun Gold - via Will Cook for Friends

Get the full recipe for these Deviled Eggs and Leprechaun Gold over at Will Cook for Friends.

4. Irish Soda Bread

There are many things in life that are just as good, if not better, when they are store bought rather than homemade. Sweaters come to mind. Irish Soda Bread is not one of those things. Store bought can be dry and bland but this recipe looks just the right amount of crumbly, moist and flavorful.

Irish Soda Bread - via The Jey of Cooking

Get the full recipe for this Irish Soda Bread over at The Jey of Cooking.

5. Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes

Guinness? Check. Jameson? Check. Bailey’s? Check. These boozy cupcakes combine the triad of Irish alcohol into one decadent, rich cupcake. The cake is made of Guinness, the chocolate ganache filling of Jameson and the frosting is Bailey’s infused. Sounds pretty rich, but what could be better than a little hair of the dog to end the night?

Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes - via Formal Fringe

Get the full recipe for these Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes over at Formal Fringe.

6. Green Smoothie

If all of these sweets and booze have you feeling a little, well, green (sorry, I know that was a bad one, I just couldn’t help myself), take a look at this very healthy green smoothie. Kale or spinach make it green, bananas and berries make it delicious.

Green Smoothie - via For the Love of Food

Get the full recipe for this Green Smoothie over at For the Love of Food.

7. Irish Beer & Cheese Chicken Pot Pies

These hot and flaky pot pies are just the antidote to a cold March night. They’re filled not only with Smithwick’s and Kerrygold cheddar cheese but also bacon, chicken, peas and corn. The shamrock on top completes this delicious St. Patrick’s day dinner.

Irish Beer & Cheese Chicken Pot Pies - via Lea & Jay

Get the full recipe for these Irish Beer & Cheese Chicken Pot Pies over at Lea & Jay.

8. Emerald Islander

I’m somewhat ashamed to admit that in my household, one of us will happily drink beer while the other one is strictly a “fruity cocktails” kind of person. The Emerald Islander is the perfect St. Patrick’s day cocktail for the non-beer drinkers that dwell among us. I know we’ll be mixing up at least one of these in my house tomorrow night!

Emerald Islander - via Bayside Bride

Get the full recipe for this Emerald Islander over at Bayside Bride.

9. Mint Cheesecake

If your style is more understated and subtle, this mint cheesecake is for you. It doesn’t have any flashy leprechauns or pots of gold, but it is simple, beautiful and delicious. And I love the wow-factor when you cut in and see the green stripes against the cream colored cheesecake.

Mint Cheesecake - via Zoe Bakes

Get the full recipe for this Mint Cheesecake over at Zoe Bakes.

10. Corned Beef and Cabbage with Horseradish Cream

This wouldn’t be a post about St. Patrick’s Day recipes without including a Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe. This is something we make every year in my house and what I like about this Skinnytaste version is that it lightens up in just the right places by replacing the potatoes with Cauliflower but leaves the stars, namely the corned beef and cabbage, alone.

Corned Beef and Cabbage with Horseradish Cream - via Skinnytaste

Get the full recipe for this Corned Beef and Cabbage with Horseradish Cream over at Skinnytaste.

11. Beer Mug St. Patrick’s Day Cupcakes

I love, love, love these adorable beer mug cupcakes! Make these and you are guaranteed to impress your friends and family.

Beer Mug St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes - via Kitchen Daily

Get the full recipe for this Beer Mug St. Patrick’s Day Cupcakes over at Kitchen Daily.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

list tagged as: cocktails, cupcakes, green food, St. Patrick's Day, St. Patty's Day

12 Margarita Recipes for National Margarita Day

February 20, 2012

Today is President’s Day and we all know what that means – just two more days until National Margarita Day 2012! National Margarita day is celebrated every February 22nd and in honor of this most sacred of all holidays, we happily present our list of 12 margarita recipes for you to enjoy.

1. The Classic

Tequila. Cointreau. Simple Syrup. Lime. Shake with ice and enjoy. This recipe never gets old and works every time. It goes without saying that using good tequila is essential.

The Classic - via Confections of a Foodie Bride

Get the full recipe for these The Classic over at Confections of a Foodie Bride.

2. Chili Lime Margarita

Spicy and refreshing, the chili lime margarita takes the classic to the next level by adding heat with jalapeno simple syrup. A great and different option for a hot summer day.

Chili Lime Margarita - via My Life as a Mrs.

Get the full recipe for these The Classic over at My Life as a Mrs.

3. Margarita Popsicles

Honestly, I’m ashamed and embarrassed that I hadn’t thought of this years ago. Margarita popsicles! The beauty and simplicity of it amazes me.

Margarita Popsicles - via Confections of a Foodie Bride

Get the full recipe for these Margarita Popsicles over at Confections of a Foodie Bride

4. Fresh Strawberry Margaritas

We made these a few nights ago and I have to say – they are great. None of the cloying sweetness you get when you use a blender mix, all of the fresh strawberry taste. I also love the ball jar serving suggestion.

Fresh Strawberry Margaritas - via How Sweet It Is

Get the full recipe for these Fresh Strawberry Margaritas over at How Sweet It Is

5. Chocolate Margarita

I think we can all agree that Mexican chefs know how to do it right. First guacamole. Then churros. Then mole – that delicious, spicy, chocolate sauce. This margarita takes the mole concept a step forward and combines chocolate with tequila to make what looks like an incredible dessert cocktail.

Chocolate Margarita - via Sweet Life

Get the full recipe for these Chocolate Margarita over at Sweet Life

6. Margarita Cupcakes

With these margarita cupcakes, you can enjoy the margarita without the hangover! Or, if you’re like me, enjoy them along with a refreshing margarita! Either way, these look delish.

Margarita Cupcakes - via Sweet Revelations

Get the full recipe for these Margarita Cupcakes over at Sweet Revelations

7. Grapefruit Margaritas

When I think of grapefruit, I think of the awful 80s grapefruit diet fad; women with big hair sadly eating grapefruit after grapefruit in the hopes of shedding a few pounds. Because of this association, I’ve never really been able to get into eating grapefruit. This margarita recipe is the perfect antidote to my negative grapefruit association.

Grapefruit Margaritas - via Sweet Life

Get the full recipe for these Grapefruit Margaritas over at Sweet Revelations

8. Skinny Margarita

While we’re on the topic of watching your waistline, I’ll share the margarita recipe I use most frequently. What I like about this recipe is that it’s a no-nonsense approach to margarita drinking. All calories should come from booze – everything else is just filler! This is very similar to The Classic, but without the simple syrup.

Skinny Margarita - via Skinnytaste

Get the full recipe for these Skinny Margarita over at Skinnytaste

9. Watermelon Margaritas

These margaritas are a summer staple in my house. Get a big watermelon, run it through the juicer, mix and voila! Summer in a glass!

Watermelon Margaritas - via Crepes of Wrath

Get the full recipe for these Watermelon Margaritas over at Crepes of Wrath

10. Avocado Margarita Jello Shots

I have a deep love for anything avocado, so I’m intrigued by this recipe. No promises that it won’t have a strange consistency but I think the taste will be spot on.

Avocado Margarita Jello Shots - via Top of the Apple

Get the full recipe for these Avocado Margarita Jello Shots over at Top of the Apple

11. Make Ahead Frozen Margaritas

Frozen margaritas are a summer party must-have, but blending them to order is a pain (not to mention a mess). With this recipe, you can make them in advance and have them ready to hand out as your guests walk in the door.

Make Ahead Frozen Margaritas - via The Yummy Life

Get the full recipe for these Make Ahead Frozen Margaritas over at The Yummy Life

12. Jalapeno Cucumber Margarita

I love the spa-like, clean look of this margarita with the bite of the jalapeno. Whether or not I have the spice tolerance to actually drink one might be another story but it sure looks gorgeous and I’m sure there’s someone out there with stronger taste buds than me!

Jalapeno Cucumber Margarita - via Confections of a Foodie Bride

Get the full recipe for these Jalapeno Cucumber Margarita over at Confections of a Foodie Bride

Happy National Margarita Day!

Margaritas In Cozumel

list tagged as: cocktails, cupcakes, dessert, happy hour, margaritas

9 Bring to Work Lunch Ideas

February 17, 2012

Every single day, in offices all around the country and even the world, people are asking themselves the very same question. They rack their brains trying to come up with something new. Something different. Something that won’t drain their wallets. Something that won’t ruin their diets.

It shouldn’t be so hard to figure out what to eat for lunch!

For me, the holy grail of lunches is the ever elusive plan to bring something from home. Each day, I say to myself that I’ll make something delicious, healthy and affordable and bring it in. What could be better? Alas, my plans normally fall short and I find myself at the nearest deli, quietly sobbing about the unfairness of it all.

Today, I hope to change all of that. I’ve culled the internet in the hopes of finding lunch options that can be easily made at home, transportable, and require only access to a fridge and a microwave for lunch-time consumption. Some of them are even healthy. Enjoy!

1. Turkey and Bean Chili

Chili is a wintertime favorite of mine. You can make it in big batches over the weekend, bring a little baggie of shredded cheese with you, and you’re ready to go come Monday afternoon. The addition of pancetta in this recipe is particularly appealing to me.

Turkey and Bean Chili - via Pixelated Crumb

Get the full recipe for this Turkey and Bean Chili over at Pixelated Crumb.

2. Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

This Chicken Tikka Masala fits the bill perfectly for when you’re in the mood for something a little bit more exotic but don’t want to order takeout. Make it in advance in the crock pot, bring an individually portioned cup of microwavable brown rice (Minute Ready to Serve is my favorite), and you’re set.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala - via Smells Like Home

Get the full recipe for this Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala over at Smells Like Home.

3. Taco Salad

What I like best about taco salad is its adaptability. Have shrimp on hand instead of turkey? Use that! Do you like it extra spicy? Go ahead and spice it up! There are plenty of customizations that you can make to this recipe depending on your own preferences (or just what happens to be in your fridge).

Taco Salad - via Katrina Runs for Food

Get the full recipe for this Taco Salad over at Katrina Runs for Food.

4. Italian Roast Beef Sandwiches

The sandwich is a classic lunch staple. What I like about this one is the attention to detail. Instead of the humdrum lettuce and tomato routine, this roast beef sandwich calls for roasted red peppers and basil. I’ll admit that unless you have the benefit of a toaster oven, most of us will have to skip melting the cheese, but I think it will be delicious either way.

Italian Roast Beef Sandwiches - via The Comfort of Cooking

Get the full recipe for this Italian Roast Beef Sandwiches over at The Comfort of Cooking.

5. Superfood Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

I have to admit that the term “superfood” intimidates me. My inner skeptic suspects that these superfoods might actually just be super bland and super difficult to find at the grocery store. But this recipe looks great and I actually know what most of the stuff in it is, so I think it may be time to quiet that inner voice and give this a try.

Superfood Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette - via Iowa Girl Eats

Get the full recipe for this Superfood Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette over at Iowa Girl Eats.

6. Tuna Salad with Walnuts & Raisins

This recipe is a twist on the classic tuna salad sandwich, jazzed up by adding some bite and flavor with walnuts and raisins. As always with tuna salad, use the solid white albacore in water. I’ve found that I can swap out the full fat mayonnaise for reduced fat without loss of flavor. The same doesn’t hold true for fat free!

Tuna Salad with Walnuts & Raisins - via Coupon Clipping Cook

Get the full recipe for this Tuna Salad with Walnuts & Raisins over at Coupon Clipping Cook.

8. Tomato Feta Pasta Salad

Sitting in my office in New York in the middle of February, I sometimes close my eyes, take a deep breath, and imagine that it’s summer. Usually, these summertime fantasies include pasta salad. Pasta salad and pool boys… but it’s important that I stay on topic here. This pasta salad recipe is hearty enough to eat year-round yet light enough to be enjoyed on a hot summer day.

Tomato Feta Pasta Salad - via The Slow Roasted Italian

Get the full recipe for this Tomato Feta Pasta Salad with Kale over at The Slow Roasted Italian.

9. And if all else fails….

There’s always PB&J.

list tagged as: crockpot, easy, lunch, salad, sandwich, slow cooker

14 Valentine’s Recipes We Can’t Resist

February 14, 2012

Valentine’s Day – the sweet tooth’s dream holiday. Every year, hundreds of food bloggers post their Valentine’s Day recaps, full of cakes, cookies, candies, and other sweet indulgences. Occasionally we’ll find some savory V-Day recipes, often utilizing beets or heart shaped cuts of steak, but let’s face it – Valentine’s Day is a sweets holiday. We’ve gone through tons of Valentine’s recipes, and narrowed down our list to 14 recipes that were too beautiful and delicious looking to pass up. While mostly sweet recipes, we’ve thrown in some savory and of course some adult beverages for your perusal.

1. Heart Shaped Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes

I mean, how can you not? Coming from one of our all time favorite websites, these heart shaped pancakes look absolutely scrumptious – and they’re low fat too! If I could have dragged myself out of bed before my spouse left for work at an ungodly hour this morning, I would have been whipping up a batch of these.

Heart Shaped Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes - via Skinnytaste.com

Get the full recipe for these banana chocolate chip pancakes over at SkinnyTaste.com.

2. Lemon & Strawberry Sour Cream Cookies

These remind me of a delicious cookie we make every year for the holidays. They’re so cute, and elegant, and the recipe seems pretty easy. I wish a dozen of these would bake themselves and show up in my cookie jar right now.

Lemon and Strawberry Sour Cream Cookies - via Londonbakes.com

Get the full recipe for these Lemon & Strawberry Sour Cream Cookies over at LondonBakes.com

3. Red Velvet Cake Pops

Who doesn’t love cake pops? They are the perfect bite of cake, frosting, and sugary coating. My sister first introduced us to cake pops a few Christmases ago and we were hooked. Unfortunately she refuses to supply our arteries with any more deliciousness because she found them too time consuming to make. Please someone make us some cake pops!

Red Velvet Cake Pops - via ADelightfulDish

Get the full recipe for these Red Velvet Cake Pops at ADelightfulDish

4. Black & White Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Chocolate covered strawberries are a classic go-to for the health conscious on Valentine’s Day. I thought the X & O sprinkles were a great touch on these strawberries and helped spruce up a good stand by.

Black and White Chocolate Covered Strawberries - via Quick Dish

Get the full recipe for these Black & White Chocolate Covered Strawberries over at Quick Dish

5. Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

I know just by posting these that I will be forced to make them this weekend by my spouse, but how could I pass these up? Pretzel making is a lot of fun and I strongly recommend it if you haven’t attempted it yet.

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels - via TheSoho

Get the full recipe for these Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels over at TheSoho

6. Low Sugar Banana Split Parfait In Jars

I only wish I had all these ingredients in my house for tonight. I LOVE these, and putting them in jars? What a fantastic idea. These look delicious and HAD to be included in our top Valentine’s Day ideas.

Low Sugar Banana Split Parfaits in Jars - via SeasonWithSpice

Get the full recipe for these Low Sugar Banana Split Parfaits in Jars over at SeasonWithSpice

7. Beet Ravioli

We love beets, and this Beet Ravioli with goat cheese and hazelnuts looks out of this world! A nice Valentines themed dinner to take a break from your sweet tooth.

Homemade Beet Ravioli - via TheItalianDishBlog.com

Get the full recipe for these Homemade Beet Ravioli over at TheItalianDishBlog

8. Heart Shaped Glazed Doughnuts

Speaking of sweet tooth, look at these doughnuts! I’ve yet to venture into doughnut making but recipes like this help inspire me to get moving (both in the kitchen and on the treadmill!).

Heart Shaped Glazed Doughnuts - via RealMomKitchen.com

Get the full recipe for these Heart Shaped Glazed Doughnuts over at RealMomKitchen

9. Champagne Cocktails

Champagne, check. Sugar, check. Bitters, check. Guess what I’ll be pouring later tonight?

Champagne Cocktails - via SurlyKitchen.com

Get the full recipe for these Champagne Cocktails over at SurlyKitchen

10. Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites

So I came across this recipe and can’t believe I’ve never thought of this before. A perfect pairing of 3 classic ingredients – peanut butter, chocolate, and banana. I’ll be making room in my freezer for these within the hour.

Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites - via NeverHomeMaker.com

Get the full recipe for these Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites over at NeverHomeMaker

11. Raspberry Rose Pistachio Pavlova

I’ve never had pavlova, but I simply couldn’t resist listing this one. Look how beautifully done this pavlova is. A nice elegant touch to your Valentine’s dinner.

Raspberry Rose Pistachio Pavlova - via TheKitchyKitchen

Get the full recipe for this Raspberry Rose Pistachio Pavlova over at TheKitchyKitchen

12. Red Velvet Ice Cream

I am a huge fan of red velvet AND making ice cream, so when I saw this recipe I knew I had to include it. I’m always up for trying to make new ice cream flavors, and will definitely be giving this one a whirl soon.

Red Velvet Ice Cream - via BrownEyedBaker.com

Get the full recipe for this Red Velvet Ice Cream over at BrownEyedBaker

13. Blood Mary Oyster Shots

A great appetizer idea for your Valentine’s day dinner! Raw oysters at the bottom of a shot glass filled with bloody marys. Seems like a great combo.

Bloody Mary Oyster Shots - via Taste For Adventure

Get the full recipe for these Bloody Mary Oyster Shots over at Taste For Adventure

14. Valentine’s Day Smores

Our final list item, Valentine’s Day smores with heart shaped marshmallows. This is a great idea, and is especially wonderful and fun for kids.

Valentine's Heart Smores - via TheCakeBlog.com

Get the full recipe for these Valentine’s Day Heart Smores over at TheCakeBlog.com

There you have it, 14 great recipes for Valentine’s Day! Let us know if you’ve tried these recipes and what you thought. How will we climb out of this sugar coma?

list tagged as: holiday, valentine's day