Irish Luck.... After a bit of sulking....

Our St. Patrick's Day Party

Okay, so I know I'm a spoiled brat. I have been one all my life, and I suppose that may end some day, but not today. It all started this fine misty mornin' as I began to prepare my menu for our St. Patrick's Day party. We had it today because my son and I both work tomorrow. I didn't go to bed until nearly three, and I was preparing Philadelphia Irish Chicken (also known as Italian Chicken, but don't tell St. Pat!). After a bit of a nap I got up and began to ask Mom for green things to set the table... "No, no green tablecloth or placemats. No, no green dishes. No, nothing," she said. "What difference does it make anyway?" She was a bit grumpy, I thought. And I was floored. What difference? For St. Patrick's Day? Why, what a crazy thing to say. I muttered something about how difficult it was to be the ONLY one in the family who cared about holidays, about how she didn't care, ("No, I don't,"). And then I said my son didn't really care. ("No, he doesn't care about that stuff," she gloated.) And then I said I cared, but I didn't matter... (the stunning blow before trudging off down here to my "den" for an hour of supposed nap..... Dinner was all ready in the crockpot anyway. I had also made a big salad, broccoli, Irish trinity vegetables with carrots, onions, celery and taters. I had warmed some Brisket. It was all set. So I stomped off. Well, I sulked, listened to Enya, listened to a bit of Beth Moore... and generally boo hooed as in my mind I took out my big green box of Irish decorations that I have had to leave at home and caressed them in my mind. I collect little Irish men, small ceramic leprechauns of whimsy and character. I missed them this year, and with this kind of "treatment," I was simply having a big Irish pity party complete with tears and Irish mournful music. It was spectacular. Finally I went back upstairs. My mom had come through and decorated with all this wonderful stuff, dragged out her antique wild Irish rose dishes.... oh, yeah... who said sulking never pays off? haha...
She even wrapped up two 20's in the little green crackers. My mom is amazing when she isn't depressed. I personally think this was good for her. I know it was good for me.

See the little Hummel? My grandmother had given it to my dad when he started raising little baby pigs in the sixties. And the cookies in the golden potato thing? Here is the amazing recipe for those. They are fantastic, chewy and crisp

Ranger Cookies (from Taste of Home)

1 cup shortening, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 2 eggs, 1 t. vanilla, 2 cups all purpose flour, 1 t. baking soda, 1/2 t. salt, 2 c. quick cooking oats, 2 cups Rice Krispies, 1 c. flaked cocoanut. IN a large bowl, cream shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, balking soda, baking powder, ,and salt, gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Sit in the oats, cereal, and cocoanut. Roll into small balls and place on silpat or release tinfoil. Pat slightly flatter. Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown for 7-9 minutes. Cool and enjoy.

And the chicken noodle recipe was also pretty tasty and oh, so simple.

Philadelphia Irish Chicken and Noodles (or Italian Chicken)

In crockpot place 6-8 small or four large chicken breast halves that you have salted and peppered. Add 1/3 c. Italian dressing, 1/4 c. water, 1 t. dry basil, and 1 t. Italian (oops, I meant Irish) seasoning. Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Add 1 whole 8 oz. pkg. Philadelphia Cream Cheese and cook for two more hours until chicken is totally done and the cheese mixes with the juices of the chicken. Spoon over noodles or rice. Yum!

Have a top of the mornin' day tomorrow!