Growing up in northern New Jersey, just about everyone I knew was either all Italian, all Irish or half of each. Even though I relate more to my Italian heritage, I am half Irish and I love St. Patrick’s Day. My family was surrounded by Kennedys, Murphys and McCormicks to name a few. More often than not, the Irish families had tons of kids and they were always fun and entertaining people. Every year, in what seemed like being an hour into the month of March, my childhood neighbor and dear friend Maureen would tease us kids about having our behinds painted green at the local fire station. For years I believed this was what Irish folks did on St. Patty’s Day. My Italian mother always rounded up her three kids and treated us to McDonald’s for our annual shamrock shake. I have continued the ritual with my daughter and we have never missed a year.
Holidays are about traditions, and for me, I like a simple meal of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, a few carrots, Irish soda bread and plenty of green beer. A vase on the table filled with green and white carnations is a must.
I always save room for two desserts: my mom’s pistachio cake and my sister-in-law Kathy’s trifle. The perfect ending to this March 17th meal.
Pistachio Cake
1 pkg yellow cake mix (can use gluten free)
4 eggs (room temperature)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup club soda
1/4 chopped pistachios
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 jigger of Creme de Menthe
1 pkg instant pistachio pudding
Mix all ingredients in a bowl
Pour into a greased Bundt pan
Can also make cupcakes
Bake 350 degrees for about 40 minutes
Cupcakes: 25 minutes
Icing
Mix together:
About 3/4 of a large tub of Cool Whip
1 pkg instant pistachio pudding
1 cup of milk
A few drops of green food coloring
Chopped pistachios on top
Kathy’s Trifle
For whatever reason, mine never comes out exactly like Kathy used to make it but it’s close. Her desserts were always the best. I miss her.
Large tub of Cool Whip (a little green food coloring adds to the fun)
Make 2 boxes of instant chocolate pudding according to the directions
Add a couple of tablespoons of Cool Whip to the pudding and stir well
Dump mint Oreos into a plastic bag and crush the cookies into pieces. I like larger pieces but my sister prefers a sand-like consistency. Either way works. In a trifle bowl, layer cookies, pudding, Cool Whip, repeat, ending with cookies on top.
This dessert is a crowd favorite any time of the year. Just use regular Oreos instead of mint. My sister has made mini versions of Kathy’s trifle and my brother makes his in a Pyrex dish.
In my ever so humble opinion, everyone is Irish on St Patrick’s Day. We should wear green and indulge in the eating and drinking festivities. Perhaps even watch a parade just to hear the distinctive sound of bagpipes.
I have been known to say, “you can’t go wrong with the Irish.” After all, the ever so handsome Rob Lowe was born on St Patrick’s Day.
May the luck of the Irish be with you always.
Who knew the Irish had such tasty desserts? I didn't, and I am 1/4 Irish! Yum!