MIX IT UP WITH JENNY: Going Green the Irish Way

I don't know about you, but after a long winter, I'm ready to celebrate spring! So St. Patrick's Day comes at just the right time - plenty of good cheer, good food and bright green to perk things up.

• If you want to add some green to your table, try dying cut flowers.
• Take white flowers, such as daisies or carnations, and trim a little bit off their stems.
• Add a few drops of green food coloring to a vase filled with water. (The water should be medium to dark green.)
• Put your flowers in the vase and let them sit in direct sunlight for a day or two. The flowers will absorb the colored water through the stems, giving you a St. Patrick's Day bouquet to be proud of.

If you're looking for a sweet way to finish off your St. Patrick's Day, try an Irish twist on bread pudding. This Chocolate Shamrock Bread Pudding has a touch of Irish cream liqueur for a fun, yet sophisticated, flavor. You can always leave out the liqueur - it's still delicious!

No St. Patrick's Day is complete without an Irish toast or blessing. So here's one just for you:

May your day be touched by a bit of Irish luck,

brightened by a song in your heart,

and warmed by the smiles of the people you love.

For more ways to enjoy St. Patrick's Day, visit VeryBestBaking.com

Chocolate Shamrock Bread Pudding

Ingredients

• 10 slices bread, cubed (6 cups)
• 2 cans (12 fluid ounces each) Nestle Carnation Evaporated Lowfat 2% Milk
• 2 cups (12-ounce package) Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels, divided
• 8 large egg yolks, beaten
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup Irish cream liqueur (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Nestle Toll House Baking Cocoa (optional)

Preparation

1. PREHEAT oven to 350 degrees  F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Place bread cubes in prepared baking dish.
2. HEAT evaporated milk in medium saucepan over MEDIUM-HIGH heat; bring just to a boil. Remove from heat. Add 1 1/2 cups morsels; whisk until smooth.
3. COMBINE egg yolks, sugar, liqueur and salt in large bowl. Slowly add milk mixture; whisk until smooth. Pour over bread; pressing bread into milk mixture.
4. BAKE for 35 to 40 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Top with remaining 1/2 cup morsels. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream and dusting of cocoa, if desired.

Serves

Makes 12 servings

SOURCE:

Nestle