It has everything to do with the fact that I can celebrate Ireland in a big way.  Which I am doing today since I will be celebrating elsewhere on St. Patrick’s Day.  For some ideas of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations going on around the US see this post at Family Rambling.

St. Patrick's Cross at the Rock of Cashel

My archives of things Irish are rather large, so I will apologize for all the links now.  Pick and choose what works for you.

If you want the St. Patrick’s Day story and why he is the Patron Saint of Ireland begin with my “Happy St. Patrick’s Day” post from 2009.

If you’re searching for ideas for your own St. Patrick’s Day feast I’ve got you covered!  I am creating my own today!  I’m expecting about 30 people; here are my St. Patrick’s Day recipes:

Whiskey Glazed Corned Beef

Irish Stew

Steak & Guinness Pie

Shepherd’s Pie

Irish Brown Bread

Colcannon

Irish Tea Cake

Bread & Butter Pudding

Baileys Creme Brulee (recipe to come)

Now, if Irish travel is what you want to know about I’m going to send you to Family Rambling to check out details of our Ireland holidays at Family Rambling.

Traveling through Ireland is easy with kids; I outline 5 tips for traveling through Ireland with Kids at Travel Mamas.

If you’re looking for where to see signs of St. Patrick in Ireland now see my article “In the Footsteps of St. Patrick” at Uptake.

Do you have a brogue yet?  Just one more thing.  I have a book giveaway.  The book is set in, yes, Ireland.  It’s a great read.  You can enter to win at this post.

Now I’m off to cook, bake and prepare for the craic (pronounced “crack”) tonight!

Sláinte!

Doug’s favorite dessert when we visit Raglan Road is the Bread & Butter Pudding.  I did a trial run with it a couple of weeks ago to practice for our annual St.Patrick’s Day dinner.  My custard could have been smoother but it tasted great!

I have 3 recipes for you. First the Bread & Butter Pudding.

Ingredients

* 3 oz butter, at room temperature
* 12 slices medium-sliced white bread (I baked my own but you can buy it- just make sure it’s not sliced)
* 2 oz raisins
* 1/2 pint cream
*1/2 pint milk
* 4 egg yolks
* 3 oz caster sugar  (superfine sugar. If your store doesn’t have it just pulse in a food processor for a few seconds.)
* 2 eggs

Directions

Generously butter an ovenproof dish. Remove the crusts from the bread and using the remaining butter butter, both sides, then cut each slice into quarters.

Arrange a single layer of the bread triangles, slightly overlapping in the bottom of the buttered dish. Scatter over some of the raisins and place another layer of the bread triangles on top and scatter over the remaining raisins. Press down gently with a fish slice or spatula.

To make the custard, heat the cream and milk in a pan until it almost comes to the boil. Remove from the heat. Meanwhile, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar in a large heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water until thickened and the whisk leaves a trail in the mixture. Remove from the heat and beat in the cream mixture until well combined.

Pour two-thirds of the custard over the layered-up bread triangles and leave to stand for about 30 minutes or until the bread has soaked up all of the custard.

Preheat the oven to 350F. Pour the remaining custard over the soaked bread and butter triangles and arrange the rest of the bread triangles on top. Press down firmly with a fish slice so that the custard comes halfway up the bread triangles. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the custard is just set and the top is golden brown.

Serve warm with butterscotch and custard.

Butterscotch Sauce

*2 oz unsalted butter
* 2 oz light muscovado sugar (brown sugar with a strong molasses flavor. I use dark brown sugar.)
* 2 tbsp pouring golden syrup or clear honey
* 2 tbsp double cream

Place the butter in a small pan with the sugar and golden syrup or honey. Bring to the boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from the heat and use immediately or transfer to a bowl and leave to cool completely. If keeping for any length of time, up to one week is fine, cover with cling film and store in the fridge.  (If stored in the fridge you will have to reheat this.)

Custard

* 1 pint milk
* 6 egg yolks
* 3 tbsp caster sugar
* few drops vanilla extract or 1/2 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped out

Bring the milk to scalding point in a non-stick pan. Meanwhile, place the egg yolks in a bowl with the sugar and vanilla. Gradually whisk the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture.

Wipe out the pan and pour in the egg mixture, then cook, stirring constantly, over a medium heat for about 10 minutes until the custard thickens. Do not let it boil or it will curdle and watch out for the froth: when it begins to disappear from the surface, the custard is starting to thicken. Pour into a serving jug and serve at once or leave to cool, then cover with cling film and store in the fridge covered with cling film for up to two days.

Maid Rite: an Iowa icon

I know this story is spreading outside of Iowa…  I’ve been contacted by former Iowans.  Iowans with memories of a real Maid Rite.  It’s an Iowa icon- one that is being threatened.

After reading quite a bit on this issue (it’s a hot topic here in Iowa) I’m still not sure where the issue began but I am suspecting it has roots in the “powers that be” in the Maid Rite corporation.

I’m not going into the whole story… You can read it for yourself…

A plea much better than any I can put out…

Save Taylor’s Maid Rite Facebook Fan Page

Maid-Rite Corp. CEO and co-owner Bradley Burt has asking state regulators to put the squeeze on Maid-Rite franchisees who use the old cookers

Taylor’s Maid-Rite is, perhaps more than any other single business, synonymous with Marshalltown

So the Senate had to get involved…

Story & video on WHO-TV

Taylor’s Maid Rite webpage

Why are Iowan’s so involved in this story?  Because we like our traditions here.  And, to be quite honest, the new Maid Rites are simply made wrong.  They don’t taste the same; quite frankly, they are bland and blah.  To really understand the lure of a Maid Rite it has to be, well, made right.  And Taylor’s is one of the few restaurants left that does.

Caelan shows that she has balance

How to “do it all”.  If I had the answer for that I would be wealthy.  I think many of us seek that answer if the room full of women for the “Striking a Balance” session at Blissdom was any indication.

I’ve written before on trying to find my balance (Still Seeking Balance and Finding Balance) and I spoke on the topic at last year’s I_Blog Conference.  And I still look for the magic button…

I find that a well organized schedule works best for me.  I am a crazed organizer and knowing what I need to be doing and when keeps me on track.  It also guarantees that I don’t overlook my family.  Yes, they are scheduled in.  So is Twitter and email- otherwise those two items would suck away my day!

I think that knowing your priorities first will help you schedule your days.  I use this post by Michael Hyatt as my guide.  Do I always stick to it?  No.  Does my day go more smoothly when I do?  Yes- much.

That said, there is no “easy button” for balance; it’s a lot of work.  And no matter how hard you try you can’t “do it all” without a staff.  That said, I have two babysitters who help and a great preschool that my girls love.  Yes, both cost money but without them I would get nothing done.  I also go without things to afford them- because not only can you not “do it all” but you really can’t “have it all”.

Besides, if you do “have it all” what are you working toward?

Just a few quotes from the Blissdom session:

There will always be another project- BostonMamas (ie: don’t feel like you must take every project that comes along.)

Define your goals from a business perspective- DebontheRocks (the business of you!)

Be true to you; do a few things and do them well- VelveteenMind

Don’t compare your insides to everyone else’s outsides – MomtotheScreamingMasses

In the early 20th century Ireland was involved in two wars- one for independence from Britain, the other fighting as a part of Britain in World War I.  It was a difficult time, especially for Catholics who were second class citizens under Protestant British rule.   As a Catholic you couldn’t own land and finding work was difficult.  It is a time that is difficult to imagine.

Eileen O’Neill remembers with fondness growing up in the sunny yellow house which is guarded over by Slieve Gullion, the ancient mountain whose legends begin with Ireland’s birth.

Eileen’s family suffers tragedies- death, violence, and desertion- and through it all Eileen’s only dream is to bring her family back together in the yellow house.

But nothing is ever easy in life- even falling in love.  Especially when you are a Catholic in Northern Ireland and the boy you love is not only a Quaker but his family also owns the only mill in town that doesn’t discriminate based on religion.

As I read this story I felt so many emotions- pain, sorry and anger.  There were times I wished I could reach through the pages of the book, slap Eileen across the face and tell her to open her eyes.

But isn’t that what makes a book real?  The emotions, the understanding and the acceptance?  I felt it all while reading this book and when it ended I found myself hoping that Eileen’s future would be easier than her past.

I have one copy of The Yellow House to give away.
To enter leave a comment.  Since it’s almost St. Patrick’s Day tell me if you celebrate the holiday and how.

Want more entries?

• 1) For one extra entry subscribe to Iowa Geek. You can do this near the top right of the page. Leave a comment letting me know you did this.
• 2) Blog this giveaway. Leave the link in the comments so I can verify.
• 3) Tweet this giveaway. (Copy & paste: A great novel set in #Ireland- just in time for St.Patrick’s Day! Review of The Yellow House at Iowa Geek: http://tinyurl.com/yk33csx) Leave a comment with the link to your tweet.
• 4) Link this giveaway on Facebook. Leave the individual link in the comments.

The fine print:
Five entries per person; duplicate entries will be deleted.  Make sure I can easily find an email to contact you; I will not search for one. Contest ends March 17 at 11:59pm. I will draw the winner March 18. The winner will be contacted via email and will have 3 days to respond. If I do not hear back from the winner within that time another winner will be drawn.

I was given this novel by Hachette Book Group.  Thoughts in this post are my own.

This recipe requires no pans as the loaves are “free form” rounds.  It’s delicious with a bit of honey or butter but I prefer it served with Irish Stew or Steak & Guinness Pie.

Ingredients

* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 1/4 cups whole-wheat flour
* 3/4 cup quick oats
* 1/2 cup wheat germ
* 2 tsp baking soda
* 1 tsp salt
* 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
* 2 T tbsp honey

1. Heat oven to 425°F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray or use parchment paper.  In a large bowl, mix flours, oats, wheat germ, baking soda and salt.
2. Whisk together buttermilk and honey. Add to flour mixture; stir to combine until soft dough forms.
3. Turn dough out onto floured surface. Divide in half. Shape each half into a round loaf. Place loaves 3 in. apart onto prepared baking sheet; bake 10 minutes.
4. Reduce temperature to 400°F. Continue baking 10 minutes longer or until bread sounds hollow when tapped. Let cool 15 minutes.

Since not all of my readers bridge the gap between this blog and Family Rambling I realized I needed to ask for help over here, too.  It’s very easy to help but you must be on Facebook to do so.  (Everyone is on Facebook now, right?  My grandmother even has an account!)

Here’s what you have to do… (and you only have to do it once)

1) Become a fan of Ciao Bambino on Facebook- you must do this to comment. They are one of my favorite resources for traveling with kids so you should be reading them anyway.

2) Now, go to the photos (here is the direct link to mine). The photo I submitted is from Brenna’s first trip to Ireland in 2005. She had learned to walk just a few weeks before and looked so cute in her pale pink pea coat. Brenna has never met a stranger and this trip was no exception. The friendliness of the Irish is one of the reasons we love the country so much. *Again, all you have to do is leave a comment under that picture.*  Contest ends March 12- so please comment soon!

I really appreciate any help…  And to show my appreciation I have a couple little gifts…

If you leave a comment on my photo at Ciao Bambino (remember- you must be a fan of Ciao Bambino before you can comment) come back here and leave a comment so I know you helped me out.

That comment will get you entered to win a I_Blog Conference tote (limited edition- only 50 were made!) containing a book.

Book 1) The Triumphant Child – a practical guide to raising 2, 3 & 4 year olds

Book 2) Taking Back Your Parenting Power System – How to get control of your kids in 30 days or less: the secret formula to powerful parenting (great for older kids)

Let me know in the comments which book you would prefer!

And thank you for helping me!

Businesses around the metro are getting involved to help give Des Moines moms a great night of fun and pampering!

For more information on MNO DSM click here and be sure to register asap!  Space is limited!

If you aren’t close to Des Moines check out the National Moms Nite Out website to find an event close to you!

If you are a Des Moines business and want to help me pamper local moms please email me for information!

1. I “discovered” these when we were in Boston a year ago.  When we returned to Iowa I couldn’t find them anywhere.  I am so glad they are available practically everywhere now!
2. Arnold was a sponsor of the amazing Blissdom conference in Nashville a couple weeks ago.  I love supporting companies who support me!

My party’s “theme”, if you will, was “Make a Meal with Sandwich Thins®”.  So I have appetizers, main dish and even dessert featuring these yummy circles of goodness.

Here’s the menu:

• Bruschetta
• Sundried Tomato Tarts
• Toasted Sandwich Thins with Hummus
• Sandwiches – hot and cold (of course)
• Mini pizzas
• Dessert Bruschetta
• Mini fruit pizzas

Sounds yummy, yes?  It was!  And it was fun, too!  Each guest left with a reuseable Sandwich Thins® tote, a package of Sandwich Thins® (I purchased these using $1.00 off coupons that were provided, so I paid $1.99 for them), three great Sandwich Thins® sandwich recipes and blank recipe cards (to copy the recipes I’m about to share), note pads and nutrition facts.  One guest even left with a “Sandwich Pak”- a Sandwich Thins® cutting board, condiments, a package of Sandwich Thins® and a $10 Hy Vee gift card (paid for by me) to purchase their favorite sandwich fixins.

The evening began with appetizers:

Toasted & served with Hummus, Bruschetta, Sun-Dried Tomato Tarts

Toasted & Served with Hummus

A great option for dipping!  Just separate and  cut each Sandwich Thins® into 6 pie-shaped pieces (I used a pizza cutter).  Place on a parchment covered cookie sheet and spray with olive oil.  Broil until crisp and the edges begin to curve; about 4 minutes.  Pair with your favorite hummus (or any other dip).

Bruschetta

6 Sandwich Thins®, broiled with a bit of olive oil or toasted
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 T balsamic vinegar
2 T olive oil
1 T minced garlic
12 leaves fresh basil, rolled and cut to create ribbons (I used dried as I couldn’t find fresh)
Salt & pepper; to taste

Mix tomatoes, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper (and basil if using dried).  Stir to combine.  If using fresh basil add most of it now, and gently fold in.

I cut my Sandwich Thins® in half, but you can leave them whole.  Top with the tomato mixture.  Garnish with remaining basil or grated Parmesan cheese.

Sun-Dried Tomato Tarts (Recipe modified from Pampered Chef)

These tasty treats were the favorite appetizer.  You need:

5 Sandwich Thins®, separated and lightly broiled with olive oil or toasted
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts in water, drained and chopped
1 jar (8 oz) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained, patted dry, chopped & divided
1 c grated Italian cheese blend, divided
2 T Parmesan-Garlic Oil Dipping Seasoning (this is a PC product, but I used a similar item. If you don’t have this just add 1T minced garlic and 1 T grated Parmesan and a pinch of salt.)
1/2 t salt
1/4 t pepper
Chopped fresh parsley, optional

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Whisk cream cheese until smooth.  Add eggs and whisk until combined.  Add artichokes, half the tomatoes, half the cheese, dipping seasoning, salt and pepper; mix until well blended.

Place about 2 T mixture on each toasted Sandwich Thins®, spread evenly within 1/8 inch from edge.  Top with remaining tomatoes.  Bake 8-10 minutes until set.  Top with remaining cheese and parsley, if desired.

After the appetizers came the main dish.

Mini Pizzas and Paninis

I had fixins for cold sandwiches and mini pizzas.  I even pulled out my panini press.  We even used breaded chicken patties, pizza sauce and cheese to make chicken Parmesan sandwiches!  Simple, quick and delicious!

For the Pizzas

Sandwich Thins® are perfect for personal pizzas.  A little sauce,toppings and cheese, bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes and you’ve got a pizza in a hurry!

Paninis

At first my guests were a little skeptical- these certainly don’t look like an item you press.  Add your favorite sandwich topping, spray the griddle (or skillet) with olive oil, spray the top of your sandwich with a bit more oil and press.  Toasty and delicious!  (I bought my press at Target for only a few dollars.  If you don’t have a sandwich press you can heat a cast iron pan and easily do the same thing.  Be sure to heat the pan or press slowly.  I recommend oiling it and sitting it on the pressing surface to heat with the surface.)

Sandwiches- Hot or Cold

Sandwich Thins® are, obviously,made for sandwiches.  They are thinner than buns, have fewer calories and have about 100 calories per “thin”.  They can handle whatever you layer on it- deliciously.

Though everyone was full, we finished with dessert

Dessert Pizza and Dessert Bruschetta

Again, really simple recipes.  Both are made with fruit so they are healthy and delicious!

Dessert Pizza

2 Sandwich Thins®, halved and broiled or toasted
4 oz Cream Cheese, softened
3 T powdered sugar
Fresh fruit
Chocolate syrup, optional

Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar.  Spread 1T on each half.  Top with fresh fruits and drizzle with chocolate syrup.

Dessert Bruschetta

2 T sugar
1/2 t ground cinnamon
3 Sandwich Thins®, split
1 c fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
2 T sugar
1 T chopped fresh basil leaves
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1/4 c sour cream
2 T plain yogurt
2 t honey
1/4 t vanilla extract

Preheat broiler to high with rack 6″ from heating element.

Combine sugar and cinnamon in a dish. Sprinkle on buttered sides of bread (you won’t use it all) then broil until toasted, 2-3 minutes.

Toss strawberries with sugar, basil, and lemon juice. Stir sour cream, yogurt, honey and vanilla together in a separate bowl.

To assemble: spoon 2 T berries with juice on toasted “thins”, dollop with sour cream mixture.

If you have a great recipe using Sandwich Thins® feel free to share it here.  These are a product I buy on a weekly basis and really love.

Disclosure:  I was provided with 5 coupons for free Sandwich Thins®.  Everything else for the party- meats, toppings, beverages, plates,napkins, etc, was purchased by me.

Before that happens I want to do two quick things….

Uno: I want to thank everyone for 6 great years. It’s hard to believe I have “known” many of you for that long as it seems like only yesterday I began this blog. Thanks for your wisdom, you input, your ideas and, mostly, your friendship. It’s been amazing.

Dos:  If there is one thing I would urge you to do it is this : Spend time with your children. I know we’ve all been told that “they grow up so fast”. Only now am I seeing the truth in this. My little girls who have always needed me are becoming more self-sufficient every day. While it makes me proud, it also makes me sad. If you can I urge you to travel with your kids; see the world- or just your tiny part of it- through their eyes. Remember that the ordinary to you is magical to them.

Embark. Explore. Experience. Entertain. Enlighten. Educate. Empower.

Your kids will remember with fondness the time you spent together- and share the stories, and your example, with their kids.

Need tips & ideas? Visit my site Family Rambling before the internet goes kablooey!

Disclosure:  No, Al Gore didn’t really invent the internet, nor is the internet going to go kablooey.  That is called satire.  This post was written for Mabel’s Labels BlogHer ‘10 contest. The reason I chose dihydrogen monoxide is because even water can sound dangerous if you give it a scientific name.