Thursday, March 8, 2012

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 5th
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


1 comment:

  1. Karen, your white chocolate mint mousse looks pretty and delicious. Wishing I had a cup of this right now. ;-)
    ~ Sarah, your linky neighbor below you at Foodie Friday.

    ReplyDelete

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