Slainte

Slainte, Although Slainte (pronounced Slawn-Cheh) Irish Pub and Restaurant has been around for more than five years, it's recently had a menu overhaul in an effort to make the place more like a gastropub, thanks to the hiring of  Chef Bill Crouse.  I was so happy to receive an invitation to taste the new menu!  I didn't really know what to expect, but I assumed traditional Irish fare, however it was so much more than that.  By the end of the meal I was completely blown away by each item I tried. I love when my expectations are surpassed!

Mushroom Gnudi (Gnocchi) $9 - Mushroom gnocchi fried golden and served with brown butter and sage. These are not like your typical potato gnocchi - it tasted more like a deep fried ball of mushroom risotto.  Doesn't that sound good!?  They are so incredibly creamy and cheesy.  To all those mushroom haters - you can hardly tell they are in this dish, don't let it deter you from trying this. OMG I want five million more of these within my reach.

Ploughman's Platter $14 -  Smoked fish, cheeses, charcuterie, homemade relish and spread served with toasted bread. Love the presentation of the board and the variety. This would be a good appetizer for a group to share. On the plate were some artichokes, smoked trout, tomato aspic, pate, blue cheese, apples, olives and salami.

Spiced Cornflour Calamari $9 - The calamari is served with beet chips and smoked pepper aioli. If you love calamari you will love these.  They are large in size and the breading doesn't overwhelm the meat.  The aioli is a really nice change from the usual marinara sauce and the crispy beet chips are a colorful addition.

Spiced Cornflour Calamari $9 - The calamari is served with beet chips and smoked pepper aioli. If you love calamari you will love these.  They are large in size and the breading doesn't overwhelm the meat.  The aioli is a really nice change from the usual marinara sauce and the crispy beet chips are a colorful addition.

read more

Corned Beef And Cabbage

Corned Beef And Cabbage, March 17, will be the St. Patrick's Day. It is celebrated all over the world as a religious event to memorize the St. Patrick who commonly known as patron saint of the Ireland. It is a religious holiday.

It was celebrated as a Catholic holiday and became a official feast day in the 17th century. There after it became the part of the Irish culture.

This is a classic corned beef and cabbage recipe, perfect for St. Patrick's Day or any family meal. I like to add rutabaga to my corned beef and cabbage, and others prefer parsnips or turnips. Feel free to add an extra cut-up vegetable to your dinner, leave one out, or go with the ingredients listed in the recipe.

Corned Beef and Cabbage Pizza:

Recipe Ingredients for 2 large pizzas

1 recipe Perfect Pizza Crust or store-bought pizza dough (2 crusts)
5 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups sliced green cabbage
Salt (Kosher salt preferred)
1 teaspoon pickling spices, tied securely in a cheesecloth or paper coffee filter
1 large yellow potato, peeled and thinly sliced
Freshly ground pepper
Yellow corn meal
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
6 ounces sliced pre-cooked corned beef
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

How to bake a delicious Pizza?

Place a pizza stone on a rack in the lower third of the oven.  Place the other rack in the top third of the oven.  Preheat to 500˚F for at least 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, to prepare the toppings, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the cabbage, season with salt and cook until just soft, about 5 minutes.  Pour in enough water to just cover the cabbage then drop in the pickling spices.  Cover and simmer over low heat until the cabbage is tender, about 20 minutes.

While the cabbage is cooking, toss the potato slices with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Roast in the preheated oven on the top-third rack for 10 – 15 minutes (watching closely to keep them from turning black); set aside to cool.  Drain the cabbage in a strainer or colander and discard spices; set aside.

Form one pizza dough ball into a 12 to 14-inch round on parchment paper, or a pizza peel, scattered with yellow corn meal.  If using the Perfect Pizza Crust, refer to this post for specific instructions.  Brush the dough with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.  Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Monterey jack cheeses on the crust.  Next, layer the cabbage, the corned beef and then the potatoes.  Top with freshly grated Parmesan.  Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated stone and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until golden and crispy.  Repeat with the remaining dough and toppings.

Source:  The Food Network

read more