Irish Triple Threat Cupcakes

Oh boy, are these the real deal. Amazing cupcakes. Really. They are all that is good for St. Patrick's Day and you have all weekend to make them. I made them when friends came over and several people tried to "just have half" only to immediately shove the other half in their (and my) face). Just don't even try. You'd be better off saying, "I'll have half...the recipe." Let me break it down for you: Guinness helps make a dark chocolate cupcake that is then stuffed with a Jameson whiskey ganache only to finally be topped with a Bailey's buttercream frosting. Yes, that'll do just fine. It covers all your Irish bases--three of the food groups (Guinness, Jameson and Bailey's) plus it's a cupcake plus it's awesome. You need these cupcakes in your life if you are Irish, like alcohol-infused treats, like cupcakes and/or are not completely insane (the last qualification is excluded for anyone with the first qualification see we Irish are a wee bit nuts at times). Seriously? Make these. Eat them all. Make them again.

Rice Whiskey Treats

I'm a girl who knows what she wants.  I like my whiskey Irish, but if it's bourbon, I prefer Kentucky, specifically Maker's Mark.  I blame my mom on both accounts, but fact of the matter is she had good taste.  Glad I inherited that gene.  And we know how dessert and booze combined together makes me happy.  It's just an excellent idea.  No need to choose between ordering dessert or getting another cocktail.  Everyone wins. So these drunken krispies treats are a huge win, with a taste that's simultaneously subtle, intriguing and just plain good.  I particularly loved the sprinkling of salt on top, which I think highlighted the smooth sweetness of the whiskey.  Dave didn't love these quite as much, but he's not a whiskey drinker, so his vote doesn't count.

Whiskey BBQ Sliders

What's not to love about a burger, in miniature form no less, smothered in onions, jalapenos and BBQ sauce laced with booze?  These are some simple and delicious burgers.  I've actually made them twice in the last few weeks, they are that good (and it had nothing to do with the fact that I forgot to take pictures after the first time around).  I love that they are small, so you really get a nice sauce to burger ratio--I'm not sure they would be the same as a large burger.  There is a spicy heat to the sauce from the jalapenos, but the onions provide some sweetness and the whiskey is a nice background of smoky kick that indicates there is something special about these tiny sandwiches.  I love "stuff" on my burgers, but I ate these guys straight up, no frills.  That awesome.