My Charming Shamrock

This time of the year, I like to seek out a Shamrock plant. They can

be found in gardening centers and even grocery stores.  I like them

because they add some festivity to St. Patty’s Day.  I wonder if

they are available any other time of the year?  I’ve never noticed.

According to legend, the shamrock was a sacred plant to the Druids of Ireland

because its leaves formed a triad, and three was a mystical number in the

Celtic religion, as in many others.  St. Patrick used the shamrock in the 5^th

century to illustrate the doctrine of the Holy Trinity as he introduced

Christianity to Ireland.

Well… I found this little cutie at Home Depot.  I couldn’t help but notice on

my sales receipt that it had rung up as a “Kalanchoe”.  Really?  Hmmm...  

After a little research, I discovered its botanical name is

Oxalis regnellii aka… A False Shamrock Plant with Tiny White Flowers. 

Okay, that title fits and I didn’t let it burst my bubble.  It looks like

a Shamrock plant and even says so.  J  And, it won’t deter me from buying

another in the future.  It is still a charming plant.

To add to my St. Patty’s Day festivities, I teamed my,

okay, “False” Shamrock Plant with White Chocolate Mint Mousse.   

Do give it a try! It is easier than you might think and you 
will find the peppermint taste is subtle and the taste 
of white chocolate shines through.

Recipe:

White Chocolate Mint Mousse

Source:  Nigella Lawson

9 ounces white chocolate, broken into small pieces

1 cup heavy cream

1 egg white

¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (best to use Boyajiain natural peppermint flavor)

Put  the pieces of white chocolate in a bowl, and sit this bowl over a pan over simmering water until it melts, stirring gently with a spatula every now and then.  When it’s melted, stand the bowl on a cold surface to cool down a little.

In another bowl, and using an electric handheld whisk [or mixer], whip the cream, egg white and extract together.  You want soft peaking rather than a stiff mixture.

Put a big dollop of cream onto the slightly cooled chocolate and mix, and then gently fold the chocolate mixture into the cream.

Divide mixture between 6 small but perfectly formed glasses with a capacity of 60ml/1/4-cup each.

Chill in the fridge or give them a fast icy zap by sitting them in the deep freeze for 10 or 15 minutes. 

Enjoy!

Sources:

Shamrock Plant - Home Depot

St. Patty's Day Plate - Home Goods

Green Shot Glasses - Antique Store in Ocean Beach for $1/each!

Wishing all of you a fun and safe St. Patty's Day!

I am joining:

Fondly,

~ Karen