Wednesday, 17 March 2010

St Patty's Day Green Lunch


In honor of St. Patrick's Day made an almost all green lunch.
Fresh Broccoli Soup, green grapes and my version of Irish Soda bread.. oh and some green tea.... Yum. It all turned out to be so good........
Irish Soda Bread with Cheddar and Herbs
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tablespoon white sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp. dill weed
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp. sage

Stir the milk and vinegar together, and allow to stand until curdled, about 10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F . Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper ( which I did).
I am using parchment paper more and more lately does a nicer job when baking, no hard or burnt bottoms..
In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually stir the soured milk, cheese, and dried herbs in to flour mixture, mix until the dough just comes together, and turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface. Knead a few times, and shape into a round. Place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. With a sharp knife, cut an X shape into the top of the dough to release steam and help the bread keep its round shape.
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 35 - 45 minutes, til golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the top.

Broccoli Soup, Quick and Easy
2 cups water
1/2 cup chopped celery and onion each
1 potato, small peeled
2 cups broccoli, fresh
2 chicken bouillon cubes
pepper and salt to taste
Saute celery, onion in large saucepan with a smidgen of oil . Add broccoli and potato , 2 cups of water and chicken bouillon cubes cook until vegetables are tender. Puree in blender. Gently reheat in saucepan .
This soup is very broccoli flavoured , thickens without flour.Can be dressed with either sour cream or fresh chopped green onion.
Put mixture back into sauce pan to gently reheat..
Happy Green Day to you!

2 comments:

Rosanne said...

Love your green menu! Both recipes sound great!

Shady Gardener said...

How fun! :-) Great recipe - thanks! You are so creative!