Irish Valentine (Dark Chocolate Shots)

Chocolate Love Shots

Happy Valentine’s Y’all from Atlanta Georgia!   I hope everyone is having a fun Valentines and sure hope that the love in your life took you out and made your feel oh so special? Yes…?

So, what sweet treat is an Irish lass serving for Valentine’s day you ask? Well, this year I am pleased to share my recipe for Dark Chocolate Shots that’s been a big hit at our house today. When I am home in Ireland, leading my tour groups, Chefs often send out ‘Pre-desserts’, which are delicious little teasers. So, a Dark Chocolate shot is a fun addition to any party or a romantic dinner for two to whet the appetite before dessert.

Wishing you a very happy Valentine’s Day with all of my love..

Here is the easy recipe and as always enjoy!

Dark Chocolate shots 

(serves 4)

• 1 1/2 cups of whole milk
• 1 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup dark chocolate (chopped)
• 1/2 cup of light whipping cream

How to make it

1. Combine the sugar and cornstarch and slowly whisk in 1 1/2 cups of the cold milk.
2. Transfer to a medium heavy based saucepan and begin to heat slowly stirring until it begins to thicken on a low simmer.
3. Remove the milk mixture from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips and a pinch of salt.
4. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate for 4 hours.
5. Before serving whisk in 1 cup of light cream.

Judith the Irish Foodie

Tea for Two with Buttermilk Strawberry Scones

 

Irish Breakfast tea

Valentine Strawberry scones

Pouring a cup of Irish tea

Lemon Ginger scones

Roast Beef sandwiches

Valentines is the perfect time to host a tea for two or pamper your friends.  Oscar Wilde’s famous quote “I am finding it harder and harder to live up to my good blue china” reminds me of the idealist way we behave around beauty and lovely things and nothing evokes more whimsy than a tea party.  Ireland is the largest tea consumer per capita than any other country in the world so I have indeed been steeped in the custom.  This week I hosted a lovely tea event at Reynolds Plantation in the beautiful Lake Oconee Georgia and judging by the laughter and smiles it was a memorable occasion.  So in honor of Valentines I would like to share my scone recipe with you for your very own celebration of love.

Buttermilk Scone ingredients (makes 12–15 scones):

• 1 lb. (4 cups) self-rising flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 4 oz. (½ cup) sugar
• 6 oz. (¾ cup) Kerrygold unsalted butter
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 6 fl. oz. (¾ cup) buttermilk
• 1 egg beaten with 1 Tbsp. of water (to glaze)
• :
• .(How to make them)

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Sift together the flour, sugar and baking powder in a bow.  Rub the butter into the mixture with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Make a well in the center of dry mixture then set aside.
4. In another bowl, combine the egg and buttermilk then fold all at once into the dry mixture.
5. Stir until moistened then knead 4 or 5 times to create the dough.
6. Use a floured rolling pin to flatten the dough to measure about 1” in height .Cut scones using a 1 ½” fluted pastry or cookie cutter, and place each cutout on a large baking pan. Brush the tops with egg glaze using a pastry brush.
7. Bake for 15 minutes until the scones are a light golden brown, turning the pan around halfway through baking time to ensure evenness.
8. To serve cut in half and spread a little kerrygold butter over each scone, top with strawberry preserves, a dollop of cream and garnish with a cut fresh strawberry! Valentines Joy to all and loads of love

Judith the Irish foodie