Hot Irish

This photo is from the Southern Living Celebrations volume from the Southern Heritage set. It is from 'Wearin' of the Green in Texas.' It describes the menu for celebrating St. Pat's Day in Shamrock and Dubin, TX. Here it is: Ireland Lamb Stew, Whiskey Soda Bread, Hot Irish and Irish Festive Cake.

Interesting. Whiskey Soda Bread is supposed to be served with Whiskey Butter, and Hot Irish with - you guessed it - Whiskey! Now my Grandma used to enjoy the Brandy Alexanders at the 2 for 1 at Bennigan's for St. Pat's, but no whiskey entered into our family celebrations...

Whiskey Soda Bread
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup Irish Whiskey
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tsp. salt (oh boy - this is another defibrillator recipe)
1 tablespoon grated orange rind
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/3 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
Soak raisins in Irish Whiskey overnight. (Oddly, this is the same step if you want to light a cake on fire for a flaming effect.)  Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange rind in a large bowl; mix well.  Stir in raisin mixture, blending well. Dissolve soda in buttermilk, add to flour mixture, stirring well.  Stir in butter, mixing well.  Spoon batter into a greased 2-quart casserole.  Bake at 350F for 50 minutes or until golden brown.  Cut into squares, and serve with Whiskey Butter.

Whiskey Butter:
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 tablespoon Irish Whiskey
Combine butter and whiskey, blending well. 

Hot Irish
1 cup hot water
2 1/2 tablespoons Irish Whiskey
1 tsp. brown sugar
1 lemon slice studded with cloves
Combine all ingredients in a mug, stirring well.  Serve at once. (Oh boy. At least have some of the liquor-laced bread and butter with this before downing this one.)

I have a Green refrigerator cake cooling as well as the Lime Ribbon Delight Cake for today's family party. More on this tomorrow!