'Tis but a week before the St. Paddy's Day celebration begins - and I've got an impressive dessert for you to make for all your wee lads and lasses. Let me give you an idea of the excitement this dessert can bring!
Mister: "What's this green crap for?"
Me: It's your dessert
Mister: "Well what the hell is it?"
Me: It's Shamrock Pudding - you'll like it.
Mister: Why couldn't you make pie, I like pie! I don't like green stuff, if I wanted green stuff I'd eat grass.
Couldn't you just hear the excitement in his voice? Heart-warming, no? But let me tell you, he not only ate his serving, he finished off part of mine when I wasn't looking! So apparently he likes the green stuff and you will, too!
I'm not alone in having a thing for those insanely addictive Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookies - and that's the bottom layer of this pudding - crushed in a food processor and spooned into pretty cups. Now I know I've got your attention! If you don't have Thin Mints and can't find a Girl Scout (seems like they are outside every supermarket around here!) then you can use Oreo Mint Cookies or any other chocolate-mint cookie. The custard layer is made with cream and butter - hello! It's so easy to make and has just a hint of mint from creme de menthe flavoring and, of course, green food coloring to give it that Emerald Isle color. If the mister loved this then you can rest assured that every hooligan and banshee you know will love it, too; if I may say so myself, it's a rather seductive tasting treat! Top it off with sweetened whipped cream, and for a finishing touch just add one (or ten) mint-flavored M&Ms...
Using clear glass cups, glasses, or bowls will allow the pretty layers to be seen. Really, kids, this one is too good not to make - it's got everything going for it - it's festive, it's colorful, it's rich and decadent tasting - and perhaps one could even say it has Leprechaun attracting abilities...because how could a Leprechaun resist?!? By the way, it's not too late to get going on your Leprechaun trap! Surely my beautiful Lego Leprechaun trap, with a sun-roof and a retractable hook above the front door, will do the trick and catch me a Leprechaun this year!
I'm such a good grandma! I packaged up all of that crappola and sent it off to my own little Leprechauns...Max and Elsa are as easily amused as I...hmmm, what does that say about me?!?!
Shamrock Pudding - Pots and Pins
1 sleeve Thin Mints (about 16 cookies) or Oreo Mint Cookies
1 small package M&M Mints
2 cups half-n-half
1/2 cup sugar
pinch salt
5 large egg yolks
3 tablespoons cornstarch
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
1/4 teaspoon creme de menthe flavoring
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 to 3 drops green food coloring
1 cup sweetened whipped cream for topping
Put Thin Mints in a food processor and process until finely crushed. Set aside.
Heat the half-n-half, 6 tablespoons of the sugar, and the salt in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat until simmering, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined. Whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and whisk until the sugar has begun to dissolve and the mixture is creamy, about 15 seconds. Whisk in the cornstarch until combined and the mixture is pale yellow and thick, about 30 seconds.
When the half-n-half mixture reaches a full simmer, gradually whisk a little bit of the simmering half-n-half into the yolk mixture to temper; gradually adding in a bit more, about 1/2 cup total. Pour yolk mixture into saucepan, and whisk over medium heat, constantly, until a few bubbles burst on the surface and the mixture is thickened and glossy, about 30 seconds. Off the heat, whisk in the butter, creme de menthe flavoring and vanilla. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent skin from forming and refrigerate until cold and set, at least 2 hours.
When ready to serve, spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of crushed Thin Mints into the bottom of 4 clear glass bowls or cups. Divide the custard evenly between the 4 glasses, spooning on top of crushed Thin Mints. Top with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream and one (or as many as you'd like) M&M Mint candy piece. Serves 4.
