St. Patrick's Day Party Food and Fun!

This morning I presented a couple of segments on my local TV news Channel (KSL 5-SLC, UT) for a St. Patrick's Day Party! In this post, I will be sharing recipes that were spotlighted during the segments. For the Party Decor and Games, please visit THIS POST on my Creative Blog AdventuresofaBusyBee! Thanks for visiting both of my blogs!

First up is the largest food item that I showed this morning:

Shamrock Trifle

 This is a super easy St Patty's Day dessert! You could also easily substitute other flavors and shapes for other holidays during the year.

 

Healthier Alfredo Sauce (Made with Roasted Caulifower!)

I will be the very first to admit that I have never, ever liked Cauliflower. Ever.

Not cooked, and especially not raw.

Blech.

However, over the past month, I have been....shall we say....RE-EVALUATING, the little white veggie.

So now I'm pleased and willing to admit that I was wrong about Cauliflower. Well, sort of. I still don't like it raw. And technically, I don't even like it cooked (ie: boiled or steamed). But....How I DO like it is ROASTED.

Puffed Rice Possibilites!

Go Beyond Rice Krispies and try a new spin on the traditional favorite!

 

How? Use Chewy Puffed Rice in place of the Rice Krispies...You'll love the change, I promise! 

I developed some of these recipes for a cooking segment I did on a local TV program called "Studio 5" that airs here in UT, but the basic recipe has been in my repertoire of treats since I was a child. I don't know why my mom made "Rice Krispy Treats" with puffed rice instead of "Crisped" rice, all I know is that I loved it. And continued to love it as an adult, except that I added my favorite dessert extract to the mix...ALMOND. Oh yes, it takes the flavor sensation to a whole new level, my friends. 

One thing I really want to point out is that this mixture, vs. the traditional Rice Krispie treats, is REALLY soft and chewy. Additionally, the very malleable nature of it makes it very easy to form, mold and shape...even long after it is made. You really can't say the same thing about the traditional version.  Plus, it stays fresh for DAYS! I'm not kidding...I have some that I made last week to do my pics with, and it still tastes good 5 days later. It's soft and chewy still!

 

Here is a photo I took at the studio showing all of the things I demonstrated and talked about during the TV segment:

 

 

 As you can see, in addition to the "Basic" recipe, I created some other tasty treats and concoctions for the TV segment. They were a big hit with the staff and crew at the studio. I am including the recipes at the end of the post. And now....for your enjoyment....the goods:

 

First up: The "Faux-Nut". 

 

Gyros: 2 Ways and Homemade Tzatziki

Although I have previously posted my Gyro recipe, I wanted to revisit it. There are 2 reasons for that….one reason is that it has been one of my most read posts, and the other is that I wanted to show that you can also make Gyros with just plain ole' regular frozen meatballs too! (Oh, and I finally took a picture of my Tzatziki sauce :})

I really love my Tzatziki sauce…and I have yet to eat anyplace that makes one as good as my recipe. Does that sound crazy? It's not…it really is that good! Try it, and let me know what you think!

Easy & Rich Chocolate Dip/Spread

Easy Chocolate Dip

Quick and Easy Chocolate Dip

• 1 tub Philly Indulgences Dark Chocolate Spread
• 1 cup Greek Yogurt (plain or vanilla) (My FAVORITE brand is ZOI, if you can find it!)
• 1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract

Combine all until smooth. Serve as a dip with fruit, crackers or cookies. Or as a spread on toasted crostini.

For more about this recipe, see this post.


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