St. Patrick's Day falls on a Thursday this year. Do you think that means that you can't include some Irish-inspired dishes this year? Well, think again! Our very own Victoria Smith has teamed up with me, your humble editor, to bring you some recipes that will have you thinking you've found a four-leaf clover!
Included here are four quick recipes that take advantage of your microwave and still bring you a little luck of the Irish! Enjoy!
Irish Coffee
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 rounded teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 2 tablespoons Irish whiskey
- whipped cream
Combine the water, sugar, and instant coffee in an 8-ounce microwavable coffee cup. Cook uncovered 1 to 1 1/2 minutes at power level "Hi" or until hot.
Stir in whiskey and garnish with whipped cream.
- Yields: about 1 cup
- Preparation Time: 2 minutes
Microwave Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 3 tablespoons water
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter and margarine
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
Place potatoes and water in a 3-quart microwavable casserole. Cook covered 9-11 minutes at Power Level "Hi" or until potatoes are tender, stirring twice while cooking. Let stand covered 5 minutes; drain. Beat with electric mixer until smooth.
Combine remaining ingredients in a 2-cup glass measuring cup. Cook uncovered 1 1/2 to 2 minutes at power Level "Hi" or until butter is melted and mixture is hot. Gradually beat milk mixture into potatoes until smooth. If necessary, reheat mashed potatoes by cooking covered 2 to 3 minutes at power level "Hi" or until heated through.
- Yields: 6 servings
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Creamed Cabbage
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup milk
- 6 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, cut up
- 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
Dissolve cornstarch in milk. Combine all ingredients in 2-quart microproof casserole. Cover. Cook on power level "Hi" 6 to 7 minutes, or until cabbage is tender, stirring once during cooking. Stir and let stand 2 minutes before serving.
- Yields: 4 servings
- Preparation Time: 6-7 minutes
Microwave Parslied Potatoes
- 4 medium potatoes
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 3-4 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- salt
- Freshly ground pepper
Peel potatoes and quarter. Combine potatoes and water in 2-quart microproof casserole; cover. Cook on power level "Hi" 12-14 minutes, or until tender, stirring once during cooking; drain. Add butter, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until butter is melted. Serve immediately.
- Yields: 4 servings
- Preparation Time: 12-14 minutes