Thursday, March 17, 2011

Happy St. Patrick's Day... and a Giveaway!


How could you not want to celebrate St. Patricks' Day? It's such a happy occasion that we all can share...no matter what nationality, color, or religion you are, especially here, in the United States, in every state. It is one ethnic holiday, that everyone can agree on. So, let's honor the Irish, their celebration, and join in the fun.

For today, I made a special brunch, just for myself...I owe it to myself to eat healthy, and enjoy this beautiful day, and be grateful for the "little things" in life! I found these adorable cocktail, hand painted glasses for $.99 each, at my local Goodwill store, and I thought it would be cute to use it for the special day, with a light dessert, of vanilla pudding...no, not exactly home made, but not the instant kind...you actually have to cook this; I doctored it up a little, using about a 1/2 cup of heavy cream, to the 2 1/2 cup milk, and added 1 teaspoon vanilla extract at the end. I also melted down some semi-sweet chocolate chips, with about 1Tablespoon heavy cream, to drizzle on some of the most amazing fresh sliced kiwis, and layered some of the melted down chocolate, to layer on some of the others. So, I had a total of 3 glasses of this yummy dessert (the fourth glass broke: sadly, when I brought it home, and dropped the bag)

My family loved this ( I did not have any, just "test tasted"..he, he, really true) This dessert is not only light, but pretty, and really satisfies the "sweet tooth" and if you put it in a pretty glass dish, they will think you slaved away on this...Not!  So, get your best green shirt out, perhaps a "green glitter top hat"...join your local parade, go out, and have some fun!

May your day be touched
by a bit of Irish luck,
brightened by a Song
in your heart,
and warmed by the smiles
of the People you Love.

Wearing Green Around the World

Today, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated by people of all backgrounds in the United States, Canada and Australia. Although North America is home to the largest productions, St. Patrick's Day has been celebrated in other locations far from Ireland, including Japan, Singapore and Russia.
In modern-day Ireland, St. Patrick's Day has traditionally been a religious occasion. In fact, up until the 1970s, Irish laws mandated that pubs be closed on March 17. Beginning in 1995, however, the Irish government began a national campaign to use St. Patrick's Day as an opportunity to drive tourism and showcase Ireland to the rest of the world. Last year, close to one million people took part in Ireland 's St. Patrick's Festival in Dublin, a multi-day celebration featuring parades, concerts, outdoor theater productions and fireworks.

I found a beautiful photo of a Betty Crocker site just clicking on my "Stumbleupon" button on my toolbar, but did not use the recipe, or the presentation, I just thought this would make such a nice dessert with the vanilla pudding, and the chocolate, topped with the fresh sliced kiwis. I'm still stumbling around on the "Stumbleupon" which I have signed up for, and saw some of my blogger friends who are following me on it, but so far have not read any instructions how to "go about" this whole thing, can't even find my own page on it. (I'm so lame!)








This is the magic ingredient, my favorite JELL-O which comes in real handy when you need it. A 4.6 oz, 130g. size, and just follow directions, (I doctored mine up). Melt down about 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and peel and slice some fresh kiwis. Just look at these beautiful kiwis, from the U.S. and look at the package it comes in, not bruised, and battered like the ones that are piled up in the kiwi section.








Aren't these kiwis, gorgeous...laying so carefully in the plastic carton, so well protected. 




So, on to the next project...actually, not a project, it's just a small celebration alone, enjoying a little brunch I made for myself, just before noon. It's always about that time I get around to eating something...not a good habit. I'm totally happy with a large cup of coffee with milk, and wishing I had some nice muffins, or pastry to go with it, which I hardly ever do, not because I don't want to make some, it's just "laziness".I'm not much of a baker, and I try not to bring home so much "goodies" that my daughter Lora makes; just really watching all the "sugary stuff",
Well, since it's St Patrick's Day, I was thinking more of a "Green Eggs, and Ham"...and then I thought...Nahhh!
kept thinking of The Green Eggs and Ham by Dr.Seuss that every child in America knows by heart...or has read.
Here's a small portion of it...still ringing in my head!

I am Sam
I am Sam
Sam I am
 
That Sam-I-am!
Than Sam-I-am!
I do not like
that Sam-I-am!
Do you like
green eggs and ham?
I do not like them,
Sam-I-am.
I do not like
green eggs and ham.
Would you like them
here or there?
I would not like them
here or there.
I would not like them
anywhere.
I do not like
green eggs and ham.
I do not like them,
Sam-I-am.
I will have to contact Snapple, I love their teas!


A nice vegetarian breakfast...minus the
green eggs, and ham...Sam, I Am!








I started this blog, as a "food and thrift"...just slacked off showing you my "thrift finds"...so here's a beauty. A Panini machine. I don't even toast my bread any more. This is so much more convenient, and just love the crunchy rye bread I make in the "little beauty"...not just any Panini machine, but the real sturdy one, it's a VILLAWARE brand, for $9.99...now, isn't that a bargain? Retails for a lot more, probably about $100.





Just look at the thin grooves on this beauty of a Panini!
...and, the beautiful marks on the bread, so crispy hot, and crunchy. This Panini machine makes the best, ever grilled cheese toast...Yumm!






 Now, on to my giveaway, Cookbook!
Another fabulous thrift find of mine...brand new book; actually a 2008 edition...441 pages. Sheila Lukins is a food writer, and former co-owner of the famous Silver Palate Catering Company with Julee Russo, from the late eighties to the mid nineties...and they had their famous cookbook out, that was so popular. Now, they both individually have written their own cookbooks. I love both of their recipes. At first, I hesitated to give this book up, but I do want to share, and pass on to my food blogger friends, the great finds. This book costs a lot less than what the postage will cost...so why not give it away. Whoever wins it will love it...guaranteed!

This is one of the amazing seafood feast Sheila features.



All you have to do is leave a comment, especially if you heard about this author, or the Silver Palate.
All you have to do is to follow my blog...follow me on twitter. You don't necessary have to follow me on Foodbuzz...most likely, you do. That's all!

One other request: If you are not a follower of mine...don't even bother, because if I don't know anything about you, do not leave me a "snippy" comment, like one other individual did, how they had to follow my blog "mandatory"...and of course I would courteously follow back!...Anyway, just leave your comment as many as 3 or 4 times to get a better chance at winning.That's all. I will announce the winner, by Sunday, March 20 at 11:00PM EST. Only valid in the United States, and Canada.( Sorry for leaving all the other countries out.)



Another winning recipe, from Sheila Lukins' book!















Top O The Morning comment



35 comments:

Lukas Vanlandingham said...

Kiwis and chocolate is an absolutely genius idea! I would probably eat your breakfast in a heartbeat too! Beautiful pictures to boot! :)

Lukas Vanlandingham said...

By the way, i do not have a foodbuzz account, but i do follow you on your blog and on twitter! :)

Angie's Recipes said...

Kiwi and chocolate...wow I for sure want to try this fascinating combination!

Bianka said...

Hű csodás desszert

egbkid said...

Dessert and brunch both look delicious! St. Patrick's day is celebrated in my city a lot, we are supposedly Canada's most Irish city. While i usually do not go out drinking green beer, i love taking in the celebrations!

Brenda said...

As always Elisabeth, your dessert and brunch look amazingly delicious! Those eggs are cooked just how I like them. Have a fun St. Patrick's Day!

Priya Sreeram said...

Happy St.Patricks Day to u elizabeth- loved reading ur post, not eligible for the giveaway still cheers to your efforts !

''Cucina di Barbara'' said...

This is a real indulgence for St. Patrick's day!
Bravissima
barbara

Pegasuslegend said...

Happy St Paddys Day!

Adriana said...

Happy St. Patrick's Day! I loved seeing the chocolate and kiwi pairing. What a fresh alternative to the expected mint-chocolate combo.

Priya said...

Happy St. Patricks's Day...Fabulous dishes and wonderful giveaway..

Cardamom Hills said...

now, I love kiwi and I love chocolate...but never tried them together....have to now =) thanx to you!! Too bad the contest is not open for us "outsiders" hehehe... :)

Citromhab said...

Elisabeth, már többször akartam írni, olyan gyönyörűek a fotóid!! És a színek is. Csupa étvágygerjesztő finomság!

Nancy and Vijay said...

Happy St Patrick's Day Elisabeth!

Swathi said...

Happy st Patrick's day Elisabeth, You made a simple kiwi fruit to delicious dessert. Nice giveaway too.

Anna C said...

Elisabeth, Happy St. Patrick's Day! Nice to see you spoil yourself with a special brunch. Nice touch with the chocolate on the kiwi.

Foodafok said...

Itt aztán minden megtalálható, hogy az ízbomba robbanjon a szájban. Super, Jó, Gut, Good,Bonne, Bueno, Хорошее

Lizzy said...

Lizzie, you find the best treasures! I've hesitated to buy a pannini maker knowing it wouldn't be used enough to justify the cost...but for $10, I'd get one for sure. I'd love this cookbook...the Silver Palate books were my go-to books for entertaining when I was newly married...and I still like to check them out when searching for a new idea.

And you'll have to tutor me on how to take such bright and sharp photos...everything looks wonderfully delicious, but I'm partial to your pudding topped with those gorgeous kiwi and chocolate....mmmmmm.

Happy St. Patrick's Day to you, my friend!!!

Michelle Smith said...

I made green eggs for my little guy... he loved it! I live in the most Irish city in Canada (Saint John)! We love St. Patty's Day! Panini machines so an awesome job... think I just found something for next Christmas to put on my list! Yum...

Kathy said...

Elizabeth, It would be such fun to join you on your thrift store hunts. You seem to be very lucky. Your panini maker was a great find, and I love your glasses. Your dessert and brunch dish look absolutely scrumptious! Enjoyed your post!

ping said...

You really know where to find all those great stuff for such great deals! Btw, I know I'm not eligible for the giveaway but I'm leaving this comment anyway. Does that sound snippy? :D And, and ... I had a similar brunch today! .... unfortunately not homemade but from the Coffee Bean. Yours looks so much nicer...sigh.

Mrs K said...

A very happy St patrick's day to you :) The kiwis with the chocolate look so stunning and will most definately satisfy anyone with or without a sweet tooth.It has the goodness of those juicy kiwi's.Loved the toast and the panini maker,it sure is such a steal and the bread looks so scrummy :)!!!

Carole said...

Oh, lucky you to find that panini maker for such a good price. Our local thrift shops aren't as well stocked as yours, I think.

Enjoyed reading your St. Patrick's Day post.

Susi said...

Elizabeth, hope you had a happy St. Patrick's Day. Your dessert and brunch dish look awesome. I love kiwis, but usually just eat them plain. It looks like I need to try them with chocolate and pudding :o)

Lizzy said...

I'm back!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to help me :) I've copied your directions...I do use Picture Manager, but obviously not as well as I could! You are such a dear...I truly appreciate it. Happy weekend, my friend~ xo

Pacheco Patty said...

A happy belated Saint Patty's day to you;-)
I love kiwi fruit but never have been very creative about doing anything with them. I will take your cue and try to be more creative next time.
I have Sheila Lukin's book 10 and it is a good one, great giveaway;-)

Green Girl said...

Hope you had a wonderful St.Patrick's day.
You never chase to amaze me with your finds at Goodwill stores. $10 for a panini maker, that's the deal of the month.
The name of that book doesn't ring a bell or Silver Plate :(

Have a wonderful weekend

Mateja ^_^ said...

Let me start with your brownies- WOWELISIOUS, wonderful photos! And the St.Paddy's dessert is a real spring breeze- I just couldn't pull my eyes away, amazing!!!! Breakfast is my favorite meal, I wouldn't mind joining you Elisabeth because yours look yummelisious! Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful weekend :)

Mother Rimmy said...

Great find on the panini maker. I adore mine. Don't you just the color it give the bread, and the melty cheese - I'm in heaven.

Kristi

Sanyukta Gour(Bayes) said...

wow..looks good...yummmmmmm..
first time here....u hv a lovely space with awesome recipes....visit mine as time permits
sanyukta
http://creativesanyukta.blogspot.com/

Emma said...

What a gorgeous looking dish with the kiwi fruit :)

I'm glad you had a lovely St Pats Day Elisabeth, I'm from Irish descent so it's an important day for me also.

Jay said...

Sounds awesome...beautiful clicks ..
Tasty Appetite

kitchenmorph said...

loved the green splash St Patricks special...i enjoyed seeing the green in blogs around...and so sweet of you to share your me-alone brunch with us!

Magic of Spice said...

What a perfect St Patrick's Day celebration! How gorgeous is this dessert, and the breakfast...Wow!
I am like you with breakfast, but this is so tempting even if it ends up a lunch :)

everi-thing said...

kiwi , its my fav
really i like this recipe