RedGage

Celebrate the " luck of the Irish," with this year with a few new takes on the traditional corned beef recipes. Brine the brisket and put on the green apron. Pour a glass of ale and enjoy the day.St. Patrick's DayOnce a year, anyone can be Irish. St. Patrick's Day, on March 17, is celebrated in many different ways across the nation. Many large cities, Chicago, Boston, New York, St. Louis and Dallas, to name a few, celebrate with a parade. Many take it as a day to wear green and drink green beer. Others go to church and celebrate the real meaning behind St. Patrick's Day. Patrick was a man who was brought to Ireland against his will as a child and returned when he was an adult, as a priest, to spread the gospel across the lands. No matter the reason or the method of celebration, good food is sure to be part of the festivities.Corn BeefThis is actually just a beef brisket that has been brined or pickled in a mixture of water, coarse salt and spices for about three weeks. It can be a rather expensive piece of meat, even when it's on sale. Currently, the sale price is running $2-3 a pound already prepared. Just heat and eat. However it it very easy and cheap to make home-made corn beef if time is not of the essence. It does take a little planning and about three weeks, but considering beef brisket goes on sale several times a year for about $1 a pound, it may be time and effort well spent. It is a delicious way to eat brisket, practically an Irish staple and can be cooked and served many different ways. Traditionally, it is served with cabbage, potatoes and carrots. A little corned beef brisket will go a long way in making several family meals.Corn Beef & Cheese QuicheThis is a good way to make a lot of food out of a few cheap and simple ingredients. A quiche may be a good idea for the day after St. Patrick's Day or it may be a unique alternative to the traditional Irish dishes.Ingredients:

• 8 eggs, beaten and blended well
• 1/3 cup of milk
• 1 pound of shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 1/2 pound of finely diced cooked corn beef
• 2 (9") pie crust, frozen, home-made or refrigerated

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
2. In a large bowl, combine eggs, milk, cheese and corn beef
3. Evenly distribute the well mixed mixture into the two pie crust
4. Place the two pies on a baking sheet and place in the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hr.
5. The quiches are ready when they begin to brown on top and are not gooey in the middle.
6. Remove from oven, let coll for 15 minutes before cutting
7. Should serve 8 pieces per pie.

Corn Beef and Swiss Sandwich PocketsHere's a take on the traditional Reuben sandwich that can easily be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen until ready to serve. It's perfect for picnics and meals on the go.Ingredients:

• 1/4 pound of sliced or chopped cooked corn beef
• 1 can of crescent style dinner rolls ( 8ct)
• 4 slices of swiss cheese, cut each of these in half to make 8 half slices
• 1/4 cup of shredded onions
• melted butter to brush on top of prepared pockets

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF
2. Open the can of crescent style rolls and roll them out flat. You'll need two triangle crescents per sandwich.
3. On one triangle, layer swiss cheese, corn beef, onions and more swiss cheese in that order.
4. Top with the other crescent triangle and seal all the edges together with a fork
5. Repeat for the other 3 sandwiches
6. Place all 4 sandwiches on a greased baking sheet and brush tops with melted butter
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Potatoes Au Gratin With Corn BeefHere's an easy, make ahead potluck casserole dish for those busy work day meals.Ingredients:

• 2 boxes of au gratin potatoes
• 1/4 lb of cooked and chopped corn beef
• 1/4 cup chopped onions
• 1/4 cup of shredded mild cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF
2. Prepare both boxes of au gratin potatoes according to package instructions
3. Pour both into one large, greased 9" x 13" glass baking dish.
4. Stir in the 1/4 lb of chopped onion and 1/4 pound cooked and chopped corn beef
5. Bake at 350ºF for 35 minutes to 45 minutes until it begins to crust and brown on the top
6. Remove from oven. Top with the shredded cheese and bake for 5 more minutes.

A Few Ideas For Leftover Corn BeefTypically people make corn beef hash and sandwiches out of leftover corn beef. Try stirring it into macaroni & cheese for the kids one night. Toss a little with pasta and olive oil and parmesan cheese. Create an Irish pizza with chopped corn beef, sliced potatoes, a little sauce and a lot of cheese. It can also be added to fresh tossed salad or mixed into a potato salad. So this year, don't settle for the same boring corn beef and cabbage or day after Reuben sandwich. Get creative. Corn beef may become part of the regular monthly menu.