holiday recipes — Blog — Amanda Warren

What Foods To Use When Decorating These Boards?

When assembling an unforgettable St Patrick's Day charcuterie board, it's essential to highlight traditional Irish flavors while embracing the vibrant green hues and spirit of the holiday.

You can start with a variety of Irish cheeses. On your board, the unmistakable tastes of Ireland should come through with offerings of Dubliner, a sweet, aged cheese, and Cashel Blue, a creamy yet punchy blue variety. I am a huge fan of Truly brand Grass Fed Cheese & Butter that comes from Ireland and is sold in the United States. Their Cheddar Cheese is a simple favorite of mine and what I used for this Irish cheese board.

Next, you will select your meats wisely. You can go with traditional Irish cured meats, including thinly sliced corned beef that will add a robust heartiness to the spread. However,also sticking to your traditional favorite and the traditional crowd favorite meats won't take away from the St Patrick's Day charcuterie board either. I chose to go with my favorites here and just did my local meats and salami.

Add in the proper colors and make sure to add in green with fruits and vegetables. Using fresh green grapes, juicy kiwi slices, and crisp cucumbers bring a splash of St. Patrick’s Day color to the board. Don’t skip the yummy carbs though! Green grapes, kiwi slices, and granny smith apples not only taste great, but align perfectly with the St. Patrick's Day color palette. These fruits provide a refreshing contrast to the savory salty flavors elsewhere on the board.

To make the board a more traditional Irish board, complete it with slices of dense, hearty soda bread, ready to be smeared with a generous helping of mustard or chutney. Feel fee to substitute for the simple traditional route you know and love and add in crackers of your choosing.

Lastly, dont forget that touches of creative decor is key to set your board apart. Some ideas for that extra touch of magic can include shamrock-shaped garnishes and sprinkling some edible gold accents for a whimsical and beautiful presentation. For this board I chose to cut my green apples into a four leaf clover shape & cut my cheese slices, using a cookie cutter, into letters that spell out Happy St. Patrick's Day. The letters are always a great way to make any charcuterie board more customized and festive whether its to make this board, or an Easter charcuterie board (just around the corner), birthdays, or anything you want to celebrate while entertaining your loved ones! Tradition and creativity can beautifully merge on this board, promising it to be as visually stunning as it is delicious.

The St. Patrick’s Day Touch

A St Patrick's Day charcuterie board isn't just about the food — it's about crafting an experience that captures the essence of the holiday. Embrace Irish inspired hues and flavors by infusing your board with an array of green foods, such as grapes and bell peppers, alongside celebrated Irish cheeses and meats. Add in Creativity with shapes. Use an shamrock-shaped cookie cutter for an adorable twist on cheeses and bread that guests will love. Add in flavors that scream that original Irish pride. Introduce dips like an ale-infused cheddar spread to delight the palate and add an unmistakable Irish "Touch." Incorporate these elements thoughtfully, and your board will not only taste Irish but look the part, too. The St Patrick's Day snack board is more than just food; it's a centerpiece that celebrates Irish culture and the joy of the holiday.

What Do I Need to Make a St. Patrick’s Day Snack Board?

Creating the perfect board requires a little planning and a trip to the grocery store for some special items. Here is a run down of ingredients to help you when shopping for the board:

- Cheeses: Aim for a variety like Dubliner or creamy Cashel Blue.

- Green Veggies: Cucumber slices and bell pepper strips keep your board fresh and thematic. Don't forget the green apple or a pear if you are making the shamrock.

- Bread: Soda bread is a must-have, served with rich butter or a tangy beer cheese spread.

- Meats: Corned beef or Irish sausages will be the heart of your festive savory selections. As well as your personal favorites.

- Add some festive extras: Think shamrock cookies or gold-wrapped chocolate & candies for playfulness and a pop of color.

-Introduce tangy accents: Pickles and mustards, such as gherkins and Irish wholegrain mustard, balance the rich flavors.

With these ingredients, your St. Patrick's Day snack board will not only be delicious but also a feast for the eyes. There are no instructions to this bord because its all about getting creative and having fun!

A well-constructed St Patrick's Day charcuterie board is more than a meal; it's a celebration of fun, a reminder of Irish history, a splash of festive colors, and a canvas for culinary creativity. With a thoughtful balance of traditional flavors, fresh fruits, and a nod to the natural beauty of Ireland, you'll have a delightful centerpiece that's sure to lure both your foodie friends and lucky leprechauns to your table. Happy St. Patrick's Day and may your charcuterie board be as lucky as it is delicious!

If you're looking for an indulgent, coffee-infused twist on the classic cinnamon roll, then you have to try this Cinnamon Roll Loaf with Espresso Glaze! This sweet and decadent dessert is the perfect combination of a classic cinnamon roll and a rich espresso taste with a yummy glaze. The loaf is incredibly moist and has all the flavorful delight of a classic cinnamon roll. Plus, the espresso glaze adds an extra layer of flavor that will have you coming back for more. So, if you're in the mood for the perfect morning treat, this Cinnamon Roll Loaf with Espresso Glaze is the perfect indulgence. It is great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Plus, it is easy to make and packed with flavor. So don’t wait, give it a try today!

What type of flour is best to use for the Cinnamon Roll Loaf with Espresso Glaze?

Making a delicious Cinnamon Roll Loaf with Espresso Glaze is easy and simple with the right ingredients. All-purpose flour is the best type of flour to use for this recipe, as it will give the loaf the right texture. If you want a fluffier, lighter loaf, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour for cake flour. To ensure the best results, it's important to measure the flour correctly. Flour should be spooned into a measuring cup and leveled off with the back of a knife. For a gluten-free version of Cinnamon Roll Loaf with Espresso Glaze, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. If you’d like a nuttier flavor, you can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. For an even richer flavor, try substituting some of the all-purpose flour with almond flour. With all of the right ingredients and the right measurements, your Cinnamon Roll Loaf with Espresso Glaze will be a delicious success!

Is the Espresso Glaze necessary for the Cinnamon Roll Loaf?

The Espresso Glaze is an optional topping for the Cinnamon Roll Loaf that adds a unique flavor and richness to the dessert. However, it of course isn't mandatory and can just as easily be served on the side or substituted for any glaze or frosting of your liking. This espresso glaze recipe adds a very subtle coffee flavor to the loaf that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and sugar in the rolls. The coffee taste is not overpowing, and your classic cinnamon roll lovers will find it just as irresistible. The Espresso Glaze is not necessary for the Cinnamon Roll Loaf, but it is a delicious addition that adds a unique flavor and makes the dessert even more special.

What type of espresso should be used for the Espresso Glaze?

The best type of espresso to use for the perfect flavor of Espresso Glaze is actually instant espresso powder. If you don't have espresso powder, you can also use a freshly made espresso shot. When using a freshly made espresso shot be sure to take out some of the milk or add additional powdered sugar to keep consistency the same. If you want a stronger espresso flavor in your glaze, you can use a double amount of espresso powder instead of the recommended amount in the recipe. This will give your glaze a bold and rich coffee flavor. The espresso flavor if very mild in this recipe to not overpower the cinnamon roll taste, but be sure to add more if you feel necessary. You can also add espresso to the filling to make these espresso cinnamon rolls to pair with the glaze frosting. With the combination of the cinnamon roll dough and the espresso glaze, this dessert is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!

Ingredients:

Dough

4 1/2 teaspoons fast-acting dry yeast

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter

1 egg

1 teaspoon salt

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup warm water

1 cup milk

Filling

1 cup browned butter

1/2 cup sugar

2 tablespoons cinnamon

Icing

1/4 cup butter

3 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup milk

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 tablespoons espresso powder

Instructions:

Mix lukewarm water and yeast, and let sit for roughly 10 minutes to make sure the yeast is still active and bubbling. You will notice the yeast growing in size.
While the yeast is growing, you will whisk these together in a new bowl: sugar, butter (softened for 15-20 sec on microwave) egg, milk and salt with an electric mixer. Add in yeast mixture until fully incorporated.
Slowly add in flour with a wooden spoon, once you have added in all 4 cups make sure the dough is slightly sticky and looks like dough. Once you see this mix for another few minutes. If you still don’t see it looking like dough, add in more flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until you do.
Once you have fully mixed together the dough form into a ball in your bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 2 hours.
Next, soften butter and mix in cinnamon and sugar for filling and preheat oven to 350 degrees. When the dough is ready roll out lightly flour your work area and roll to about 1/4 inch thick rectangular shape. Add filling to the middle making sure to cover all of the dough
Roll dough from one side of the rectangle to the other and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut along the middle and crisscross the dough from one side to the other. Tuck both ends under.
Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until golden browned on the top.

Frosting:

Mix softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. (If not in the room temp warm it for 30 seconds in the microwave before)
Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Mix and drizzle over cinnamon roll loaf, serve extra on the side for those who like extra frosting. Enjoy!

The espresso glaze is simple to make and adds a unique flavor to the rolls, while the cinnamon roll dough is light and fluffy, making it the perfect addition to any special breakfast. The espresso glaze gives the cinnamon rolls a beautiful sheen and adds to the flavor, making them a must-try for any cinnamon roll lover. These Espresso Glazed Cinnamon Rolls will be a hit no matter what the occasion is. Not only are they delicious and easy to make, but they’re also a great way to enjoy a special treat at home. So, if you’re looking for a unique twist on the classic cinnamon roll, these espresso glazed rolls are a must-try!