Happy St. Patty's Y'all

St. Patty's is such a fun holiday!  I love it, so I always try to do something fun to celebrate.  Back in North Carolina, that was usually going to the Emerald Isle festival.  This year, Carl came in town and we made a day downtown Chicago.  A green river, green beer, Irish food, and city full of festivity..what more could you ask for?!

Of course I've blogged about my love for Irish Car Bombs before and naturally we had several yesterday.  Just.so.good.

Irish Car Bomb
3/4 pint Guinness Stout
1/2 shot Jameson Irish Whiskey
1/2 shot Bailey's Irish Cream

Pour the Guinness into a glass or beer mug and let settle.  Pour Jameson and Bailey's into a shot glass.  Drop the shot glass into your Guinness and chug!

I actually tried a new stout drink while we were out and about too - a Black Velveteen.  Carl was not a fan, but I loved it!  Here's the recipe so you can try it too!

Black Velveteen
12oz Guinness Stout
4oz Magner's Irish Cider

Pour both into a large mug.  Serve and enjoy.
  

Irish Car Bomb Cake!

Let me start by saying I love Irish car bombs.  On my twenty-first birthday one of my sorority sisters bought one for me and I've loved them ever since.  In general, I'm a fan of most stout beers whether they are brewed over coffee, chocolate, vanilla beans, etc; I like the full-bodied taste.  Guinness is not one of my favorites, but whoever thought to combine it with a shot of Bailey's and a touch of Jameson is a genius.

As always, I'd been eying a few new cake recipes, so when my mom needed a birthday cake for her office I jumped at the chance.  We settled on a Guinness Chocolate Cake with Bailey's Buttercream frosting.  And oh my goodness, did it turn out deliciously.  Try this recipe!

Irish Car Bomb Cake