A GUINNESS KIND OF DAY

               For the second month in a row we borrowed a number of recipes from my friend Ross Sveback (www.rosssveback.com)  who has perfected various Guinness recipes because, what could be more fitting for a St. Patrick's Day meal than the iconic Irish beer?  We also enjoyed the company of a special guest, a dear friend we hadn't seen in awhile whom we hope could come back to break bread with us from time to time.

Here's the menu:
Cocktail           Black Velvet
Opener            Guinness Extra Stout Cheese Soup
                       Emerald Isle Salad with
                       Guinness Extra Stout Vinaigrette Dressing
                       Irish Soda Bread
Entree             Guinness Extra Stout Stew served with
                       Mashed Potatoes and
                       Irish Fried Cabbage
Dessert           Guinness Extra Stout Chocolate Cake

               What a lovely day to fellowship and break bread, and on this particular occasion, to be nothing but Irish!

Black Velvet (Guinness mixed with champagne / sparkling wine) served in high balls

Guinness Extra Stout Cheese Soup -

so rich and decadent, it's the best beer cheese soup I've ever had!

Emerald Isle Salad with Guinness Extra Stout Vinaigrette Dressing

served with Irish Soda Bread

Guinness Extra Stout Stew served with

Mashed Potatoes and Irish Fried Cabbage

Guinness Extra Stout Chocolate Cake...yum...seconds, anyone?

Recipes

For Guinness Extra Stout Cheese Soup, Guinness Extra Stout Stew and Guinness Extra Stout Chocolate Cake, go to www.rosssveback.com.

Emerald Isle Salad

1 bag pre-wash spinach & arugula

2 Anjou pears, sliced into thin wedges

2 Persian cucumbers, sliced into thin strips

1 1/2 cups of halved grape tomatoes

Guinness Extra Stout Vinaigrette Dressing

Wisk together the following ingredients:

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 cap rice wine vinegar

1 tbs Dijon mustard

1 tsp Guinness Extra Stout

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Irish Fried Cabbage

1 cabbage, cored and coarsely chopped

1 can chicken broth

2 tsp butter

salt and pepper to taste

1. Heat butter and chicken broth on a skillet unter bubbling.

2. Add cabbage and stir.

3. Lower heat and cover until cabbage is tender, about 30 min.

4. Season with salt and pepper.