Mint Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

• 1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix
• FROSTING:
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 3 drops green food coloring
• TOPPING:
• 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

Directions

1. Prepare cake batter according to package directions. Pour into a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
2. In a bowl, combine the frosting ingredients until smooth. Spread over cooled cake.
3. For topping, in a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and butter; stir in extract. Spread over frosting. Refrigerate until set.

St. Patrck's Day Dinner 2012

Corned Beef, Homemade Irish Soda Bread, Potatoes O'Brian, Dressing (per eldest son's request) and Cranberry Sauce (per younger son's request).

For the Corned Beef I followed the directions on the kit, rubbed the spice mixture on the meat and placed it in the dutch oven filling it with water. Cooked about 2 1/2 hours and it was about 3 pounds. Dressing was boxed dressing with celery and onions, sauteed and then baked for 30 minutes.

Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and baking soda. Blend egg and buttermilk together, and add all at once to the flour mixture. Mix just until moistened. Stir in butter. Pour into prepared pan.
3. Bake for 65 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the bread comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Wrap in foil for several hours, or overnight, for best flavor.