recipe of the week: adult brownies

i made these for st patrick's day last week, and loved them enough to make them for my own birthday party tonight!  i found the recipe on the betty crocker website and (for once!) didn't feel the need to change a single thing!  probably because of the baileys ;-)

they are a *totally* simple recipe.
here's what you need:

1 box brownie mix
and basically follow the instructions on the back.  except substitute "baileys irish cream" when you see "water"
for example, the betty crocker fudge brownies i used required this substitution:

1 egg
1/2 cup oil
1/4 cup baileys -- except the second time i made them i put in 1/2 cup and they were even.more.amazing

mix all ingredients together as you normall would and bake according to package directions.
once brownies have cooled for at least 45 minutes, you can frost them

frosting:

1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons Baileys
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2-3 tablespoons milk

Beat 1/2 cup butter in small bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in all remaining frosting ingredients, adding enough milk for desired spreading consistency. Spread over cooled brownies.


yummy!  enjoy...but don't share them with the children! ;-)

thursday's ten: st patrick's day

abbreviated today because my life this week = i.n.s.a.n.e




it's no secret that i'm fiercely proud to be Irish and German (*mostly.  some other random stuff thrown in).
it's also no secret that in both those lineages are things that i'm not thrilled about.
lots and lots of occult and pagan stuff in irish history especially

and yet, on this day i remember
that the irish are a deeply spiritual folk
(which is likely why they were so faithful in their worship even in pre-Christian ireland.
and is likely why the fighting among christians has been so strong there.
we irish are awfully stubborn
and when we think something is right it's pretty hard to tell us otherwise)

they're (we're) also a fiercely optimistic bunch.
and a resilient population as well.
(hellooo potato famine, several invasions, etc, etc, etc,)

i tend to think it's my irish side that tries looking at situations from the most positive perspective possible.
after all, it could be so.much.worse
(almost always)
and the irish...well, are quite colorful at getting that point across.

i think you'll see a bit of a glimpse of that in the following irish blessings i've collected.
some are favorites from years ago.
some are recently discovered.

i hope you enjoy...and i pray that you're blessed.

May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

May the roof above us never fall in.
And may the friends gathered below it never fall out.

Christ be with me,
be after me,
be before me,
and be at my right and left hand.
May everything I do be for Christ.

May those that love us, love us.
And those that don't love us,
May God turn their hearts.
And if He doesn't turn their hearts,
May He turn their ankles
So we will know them by their limping.

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Christ be with me
Christ before me
Christ behind me
Christ in me
Christ beneath me
Christ above me
Christ on my right
Christ on my left
Christ where I lie
Christ where I sit
Christ where I arise
Christ in the heart of every man
who thinks of me
Christ in the mouth of every man
who speaks of me
Christ in every eye that sees me
Christ in every ear that hears me
Salvation is of the Lord.

Dear Lord,
Give me a few friends
who will love me for what I am,
and keep ever burning
before my vagrant steps
the kindly light of hope...
And though I come not within sight
of the castle of my dreams,
teach me to be thankful for life,
and for time's olden memories
that are good and sweet.
And may the evening's twilight
find me gentle still.

Sleep, my babe, lie still and slumber,
All through the night
Guardian angels God will lend thee,
All through the night
Soft and drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and vale in slumber sleeping,
Mother dear her watch is keeping,
All through the night
God is here, you'll not be lonely,
All through the night
'Tis not I who guards thee only,
All through the night
Night's dark shades will soon be over,
Still my watchful care shall hover,
God with me His watch is keeping,
All through the night

Wherever you go and whatever you do,
May the luck of the Irish be there with you.

Wishing you always...
Walls for the wind,
A roof for the rain
And tea beside the fire.
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
And all that your heart may desire   

St Patrick's story is a great one.  may i point you to a couple of my previous st patrick's day posts: the veggie tales version of his story and one of st patrick's prayers

and her name shall be heidi

remember my list of wants in a car?

allow me to refresh your memory. and i'll add a bit of commentary (in green)

1. sunroof (or a convertible...haha)
done. combo moon and sunroof

2. a color that i love. this is different for me based on what kind of car it is, since different cars look good in different colors to me.
i didn't think i would...but the silver looks pretty awesome, i must say

3. i'm not picky about leather or cloth interior...but IF leather, then i must have heated seats
boy, do they ever heat. in fact, i forgot the other night to turn them off after i got home, and couldn't figure out the next day why the ac was running full blast and i was still warm...

4. good sound system (i'm not one of those lovely bass boomin' people at stoplights, but i do like to get in a groove)
so.much.better than any car i've had

5. a sporty look. please, please, no boring sedans. sedans with a sporty edge, sure.
sedan, with a sporty edge

6. good gas mileage. i'm not opposed to an SUV, i just want it to get decent mileage
not only does it get good gas mileage, it tells me at all times it's current gas mileage is, as well as an average of the "trip" you're on

7. lowish mileage. i drive a lot. i have family scattered all over. i'd like to get a few years out of the car.
it's relatively low for being the year that it is...and for the make/model, it's SO not a big deal

8. trunk access in a car (rear fold-down seats, preferably 60/40 split). suv, well that doesn't so much matter.
60/40, easy easy fold down

9. FUN to drive
OH yeah. in fact, anthony drove it this past weekend for the first time and didn't give me back the key for quite awhile! and it's a fun key too :)

10. a good value. i don't want to rip anyone off, but i certainly don't want to be ripped off either. i would prefer not to use my entire insurance settlement...i'd like a few hundred dollars leftover to stock away in savings for awhile.

i bought it at an auto broker for well under blue book. amazing, amazing deal.

so...wanna see her?
that german engineering is the reason for the german name
(and i've told a couple of friends that i feel like i need to put an irish flag decal on it so that i have both sides of my heritage represented!)
sorry the pic quality isn't that hot...but there you have it. a 2003 volkswagen passat...loaded...luxery...and mine
God is GOOD
(just in case you wondered)

and i...
am thrilled
:)

Recipe of the Week -- Shepherd (or Cottage) Pie

As per my usual I made this for St Patrick's Day. This year I took it to the hospital and shared it with Anthony's family who were all gathered with his granddaddy. It was my attempt at bringing Irish cheer to the hospital, and it was enthusiastically received. I've shared this recipe before, but it deserves a repeat. Plus I've changed it (anyone surprised?)

Just for the record, I make this with lamb (Shepherd's Pie) or ground beef (Cottage Pie). It's a technicality that some people are very strict about :-)  

Cottage/Shepherd's Pie

1 lb ground beef (or one pound ground lamb)
1 onion, chopped
clove of garlic, minced or chopped finely
1-2 cups mixed veggies (I use carrots, corn and peas normally)
1 1/2-2 lbs potatoes
1 stick butter
1/2 cup beef broth
2-4 tbsp tomato paste
1 can tomato sauce
1/4 cup of red wine (this is totally eyeballed and I'm fairly sure I used closer to 1/2 cup this time around)
3 tbsp Worchestershire sauce
salt, pepper, other seasonings
(rubbed sage, thyme, mint, etc)

Begin by peeling, chopping, and boiling potatoes in salted water for 20-30 minutes.

About 10 minutes after they begin boiling, melt 4 tablespoons butter in large frying pan.
(which means you have time to harvest, plow and plant approximately 30 plots on farmville. just in case you wonder.)
Saute onions in butter and mixed spices until tender over medium heat (approx 10 minutes). About 5 minutes in, add clove of chopped garlic and the carrots.

Add meat and saute until brown. Add peas and corn, salt and pepper, worcesterchire sauce, splash of wine, and beef broth and cook, uncovered, over low heat for 10 minutes, adding the tomato paste/sauce about 5 minutes into this process.

When potatoes are tender mash them. I add about 2-3 tbsp butter, milk, and even amounts of salt and pepper as I mash. You, of course, can season how you would normally season mashed potatoes.

Line baking dish with beef, onions and veggie mixture. Layer mashed potatoes on top. Rough up with a fork so peaks will brown nicely.
(or not...it's gonna taste the same)
Cook at 400 degrees for 25 minutes or until brown and bubbly. Turn on broiler and let brown for an additional 5 minutes.

I ♣ This (Irish for I ♥ This)

nashville has a controversial piece of art
it's called musica
it's a gorgeous bronze statue in the middle of a roundabout on Music Row
some folks around here apparently took issue to it when it was raised
and it has the nickname of "nudies" to most of us natives
(but I still think it's beautiful. don't you?)

musica (or the nudies) has the (un)fortunate position of being right.next.to an Irish pub
in fact, the pub that i spent a lot of time at before my friend opened his own
(and where i will still be going from time to time)

with all the irish and scottish pride rampant in nashville today
is it any wonder that the nudies were kilted?

St Patrick's Prayer

May those who love us love us.

And those that don't love us,

May God turn their hearts.

And if He doesn't turn their hearts,

May he turn their ankles,

So we'll know them by their limping.

(Irish blessing)

one of my favorite days of the year is today.
last year, i linked to a favorite veggie tales rendition of the St Patrick story.
this year i link you to this site, which will give you all the history you'd like.
my ancestry is german and irish, and today is a day i spend in thanks
for the one who brought my faith to ireland
to the people who would become my family
to the green island i hope to one day visit.

it is a day where many people drink
after all, that is a common irish pastime
it is a day where i will go to the pub, sip on a pint, and listen to some great irish tunes
but i will also remember
the true importance of today

St Patrick's prayer is what i leave you with today. these are his words. may they bless you today.

I bind unto myself today
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.

I bind this day to me for ever.
By power of faith, Christ's incarnation;
His baptism in the Jordan river;
His death on Cross for my salvation;
His bursting from the spicèd tomb;
His riding up the heavenly way;
His coming at the day of doom;*
I bind unto myself today.

I bind unto myself the power
Of the great love of the cherubim;
The sweet 'well done' in judgment hour,
The service of the seraphim,
Confessors' faith, Apostles' word,
The Patriarchs' prayers, the Prophets' scrolls,
All good deeds done unto the Lord,
And purity of virgin souls.

I bind unto myself today
The virtues of the starlit heaven,
The glorious sun's life-giving ray,
The whiteness of the moon at even,
The flashing of the lightning free,
The whirling wind's tempestuous shocks,
The stable earth, the deep salt sea,
Around the old eternal rocks.

I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, His might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need.
The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hand to guide, His shield to ward,
The word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.

Against the demon snares of sin,
The vice that gives temptation force,
The natural lusts that war within,
The hostile men that mar my course;
Or few or many, far or nigh,
In every place and in all hours,
Against their fierce hostility,
I bind to me these holy powers.

Against all Satan's spells and wiles,
Against false words of heresy,
Against the knowledge that defiles,
Against the heart's idolatry,
Against the wizard's evil craft,
Against the death wound and the burning,
The choking wave and the poisoned shaft,
Protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

I bind unto myself the Name,
The strong Name of the Trinity;
By invocation of the same.
The Three in One, and One in Three,
Of Whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
Salvation is of Christ the Lord.

Review: The Search for God and Guinness

As soon as this book popped up for review on Thomas Nelson's blogger book review site (now booksneeze.com), I knew I had to read it.

A book about alcohol (even beer) and spirituality was too intriguing to pass up.

I have long known that my views on alcohol consumption differ from most of those of my Protestant friends. Perhaps that's why I'm so drawn to the Catholic church (among other reasons!)...they have no issue with drinking in moderation!

Plus, because of my ancestry I'm interested in all things Irish.

So I ordered this book and it did not disappoint.

The Search for God and Guinness begins with the history of beer and weaves in the story of the Guinness brand in particular with the amazing members of the family who created it. From the very first Guinness, the family has been involved in spiritual formation, unification of Catholic and Protestants in Ireland of all places, and humanitarian efforts. Members of the family that were not involved in the company have been clergymen, members of government, and highly respected members of society. However, the book mainly focused on the family members who became the acting head of the Guinness brand and how their spiritual journey corresponded with their passion for their life's work.

I was especially intrigued by the story of one of the descendants who upon receiving his wedding gift of 5 million pounds, took his new bride and went to live in the slums in order to best serve the people there. Amazing.

Guinness is one of the more recognizable brands around the world, and there is a reason for that. I'm not going to share much more of the story, because I truly feel it's a read that will be more fascinating if you discover the little treasures for yourself.

The book stressed that for those members of the family who took on the company, beer making was their passion. And that's something we can all learn from. In the eyes of this particular reader, though the point was never stressed in the book, I truly think that the author was trying to convey that there really IS no separation between the sacred and the secular. So many of us try to create a chasm between the two...but it is God who gives us our passions, talents and gifts, and I think He blesses us when we choose to live out those passions.

To give a fair and honest review, although I was fascinated by this book, I couldn't read it in one sitting. The names, dates, and details sort of swirl around in my mind so that I would have to take a bit of a break (of a few days normally) between stretches of reading. However, it is a wonderful read and I highly, highly recommend it.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sunday's Song

So many amazing songs to choose from...
So many I'd love to share.

And usually it's a worship song that I share on Sundays, but today I bring you another Pub Favorite.

It's called The Last House on Our Street, and it's haunting. If I could give you an opportunity to actually listen to it I would...maybe I'll be able to figure out how to do that soon!

Irish music often reflects the era it is written in (it's not ALL drinking songs!) and there's often quite a bit of social awareness written into the lyrics (think U2 for example). I love that about it. This one is an example--written and sung in a rhythmic way that mimics a ball being passed back and forth, it sounds at first like a children's song...and it does seem to be written through the eyes of a child. But reading the words is heartbreaking when you realize what they're saying.

Like I said--beautifully haunting, and I hope you can get some portion of that from the lyrics below.

Blessings on your Sunday!

The last house in our street
The last house in our street is the one that we are living in,
Throw the ball against the wall and back to me,
All the other windows have concrete curtains,
Open up your eyes and tell me what you see.
The flowers in our garden are made of bricks end broken glass,
Throw the ball against the wall and back to me,
And 'round the back we're growing an outside toilet,
Open up your eyes and tell me what you see.
Wee Albert Mooney was blinded by a petrol bomb,
Throw the ball against the wall and back to me,
The bombers said, We're sorry it must have been en accident,
Open up your eyes and tell me what you see.
A big rubber bullet killed little Johnny Morrissey,
Throw the ball against the wall and back to me,
A policeman fired it, it must have been en accident,
Open up your eyes and tell me what you see.
God made the world and Belfast is a part of it,
Throw the ball against the wall and back to me,
Sometimes I wonder if Belfast was an accident,
Open up your eyes and tell me what you see.
There's a wall, so there is, between us and them, there is,
Throw the ball against the wall and back to me,
Is there anyone can tell me that they didn't help in building it?
Open up your eyes and tell me what you see.
But the eyes of the world have concrete curtains,
Throw the ball against the wall and back to me
Would you tear down the wall, would you open up the windows,
Would you open up your eyes end tell me what you see.
The last house in our street is the one that we are living in,
Throw the ball against the wall and back to me,
All the other windows have concrete curtains,
Open up your eyes end tell me what you see.
Open up your eyes end tell me what you see.
Open up your eyes end tell me what you see.

Ok, blog readers. It was driving me CRAZY that I couldn't find a version of this song on youtube. So I created my own. Please know--I'm not a professional (which you'll be able to tell by the mediocre chords I'm playing in accompaniment) and my voice isn't necessarily suited to this sort of song...but it HAS to be shared. So I'm sharing it. Be gentle, kind readers :0)

Oh...you won't really be able to see me in the vid. That was slightly by design. Midnight on a Sunday isn't necessarily my best look!



(by the way this is a private youtube video, so let me know if you can't see it and I'll send you a copy)

Sunday's Song and an Award to Give

Usually if I post a Sunday song it's one with a worship feel, since that's the mindset I've been in. However, tonight I'm sharing with you one of my favorite Irish pub songs. Ok, so the song's actually from Scotland, but it's haunting and beautiful. I've included Celtic Woman's version of the song as a youtube...as usual you'll have to turn the music off on the lower right hand side to hear it well. Sorry about that :0)

The words that resound with me so much in this song are found in the second verse: I have moved and kept on moving, proved the points that have needed proving. I've lost the friends that needed losing; found others on the way.

In so many ways that describes my life to a "t".



Caledonia

I don't know if you can see
The changes that have come over me
In these last few days I've been afraid
That I might drift away
I've been telling old stories, singing songs
That make me think about where I've come from
That's the reason why I seem
So far away today

Let me tell you that I love you
That I think about you all the time
Caledonia, you're calling me, now I'm going home
But if I should become a stranger
Know that it would make me more than sad
Caledonia's been everything I've ever had

Now I have moved and I've kept on moving
Proved the points that I needed proving
Lost the friends that I needed losing
Found others on the way
I have kissed the ladies (fellas) and left them crying
Stolen dreams, yes, there's no denying
I have traveled hard, sometimes with conscience flying
Somewhere with the wind

Now I'm sitting here before the fire
The empty room, the forest choir
The flames have cooled, don't get any higher
They've withered, now they've gone
But I'm steady thinking, my way is clear
And I know what I will do tomorrow
When hands have shaken, the kisses float
Then I will disappear


Finally, I've been given another award! This one is from Bethany, and she graciously awarded me the Lemonade Award.

The Lemonade Award...

The lemonade award is for showing great attitude and/or gratitude.

The Rules:

1. Put the logo on your blog, nominate at least 10 blogs, which show great attitude and/or gratitude.
2. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
3. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
4. Share the love and link to this post, and/or to the person from whom you received your award.

And the nominees are:

Lucy
Amber
Jaycee
Brooke
Lynnette
Shanda
Sara
Laura
Cathy
Megan

Recipe of the Week -- Shepherd's (Cottage) Pie

I was going to wait to post this recipe. It's becoming a tradition for me to make it on St Patrick's Day, so I was going to post it sometime in March. I can't wait. Which means I'll probably be making it this week!

Just for the record, I call it Shepherd's Pie. But...I don't make it with lamb, so it's technically a Cottage Pie :0)

Shepherd's Pie

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 onion, chopped
clove of garlic
1-2 cups mixed veggies (I use carrots, corn and peas)
1 1/2-2 lbs potatoes
1 stick butter
1/2 cup beef broth
2-4 tbsp tomato paste, or can of tomato sauce (there are times that I add a can of each, actually)
splash of red wine
3 tbsp Worchestershire sauce
salt, pepper, other seasonings

Begin by peeling, chopping, and boiling potatoes in salted water for 20-30 minutes

Melt 4 tablespoons butter in large frying pan.
Saute onions in butter until tender over medium heat (approx 10 minutes). About 5 minutes in, add clove of chopped garlic and the carrots
Add ground beef and saute until brown. Add peas and corn, salt and pepper, worcesterchire sauce, splash of wine, tomato paste/sauce, and half a cup of beef broth and cook, uncovered, over low heat for 10 minutes, adding more beef broth (or wine) as necessary.

When potatoes are tender mash them. I add about 2-3 tbsp butter, milk, and even amounts of salt and pepper as I mash.

Line baking dish with beef, onions and veggie mixture. Layer mashed potatoes on top. Rough up with a fork so peaks will brown nicely.
Cook at 400 degrees for 25 minutes or until brown and bubbly. Turn on broiler and let brown for an additional 5 minutes.