dessertstoserveaftercornedbeefandcabbage”>3 Delicious Desserts to Serve After Corned Beef and Cabbage
Corned beef and cabbage is a classic St. Patrick’s Day meal, but what about dessert? After a hearty meal, you might not want something too heavy or sweet, but you still want something delicious to end the celebration. This article will explore three delightful desserts that perfectly complement the savory flavors of corned beef and cabbage, offering a satisfying and refreshing finish to your meal.
Why Choose These Desserts for Your Corned Beef Dinner?
These dessert choices offer a balance of flavors and textures, ensuring a pleasant contrast after the richness of your main course. They are also relatively easy to prepare, allowing you to focus on enjoying the festivities.
- Light and Refreshing: These desserts are not overly sweet, providing a light and refreshing finish after the heavier meal.
- Flavorful and Complementary: These desserts offer contrasting flavors that complement the savory notes of corned beef and cabbage.
- Easy to Prepare: These dessert recipes are simple and straightforward, making them ideal for festive gatherings.
1. Irish Apple Cake
This traditional Irish dessert is perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The moist and flavorful cake is made with apples, cinnamon, and spices, offering a warm and inviting flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the diced apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- You can also add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cake batter for extra texture.
- Garnish the cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
2. Lemon Sorbet
Lemon sorbet is a refreshing and light dessert that will cleanse your palate after a heavy meal. The tangy citrus flavor contrasts perfectly with the savory flavors of corned beef and cabbage.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions:
- Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the syrup thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and zest.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent large ice crystals from forming.
- Once the sorbet is frozen solid, use a fork or a food processor to break up the ice crystals and create a smooth texture.
- Serve immediately or store in the freezer for later.
Tips:
- For a more intense lemon flavor, use 3/4 cup of fresh lemon juice.
- You can add a splash of vodka to the sorbet for a boozy twist.
- Garnish the sorbet with a sprig of fresh mint or a slice of lemon.
3. Irish Cream Chocolate Mousse
This decadent dessert is a perfect way to end a festive meal. The combination of rich chocolate and creamy Irish cream delivers a delightful flavor that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Irish cream liqueur
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and add the Irish cream liqueur, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract. Stir until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the mixture into 4 individual serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
- Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder before serving.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips.
- You can also add a pinch of salt to the mousse for a more balanced flavor.
- Top the mousse with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a few fresh berries for a festive presentation.
FAQs
Q: What other desserts pair well with corned beef and cabbage?
A: Other options include classic fruit desserts like apple pie, berry cobbler, or even a simple fruit salad.
Q: Are there any non-alcoholic desserts that work well with this meal?
A: Absolutely! You can easily make the Irish Apple Cake and Lemon Sorbet without adding alcohol.
Q: What is the best way to store leftovers of these desserts?
A: The Apple Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, while the Lemon Sorbet should be kept frozen until ready to serve. The Irish Cream Chocolate Mousse should be refrigerated until ready to serve, for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect dessert to complete your corned beef and cabbage dinner can be a delightful quest. From the warm and comforting Irish Apple Cake to the refreshing Lemon Sorbet and the decadent Irish Cream Chocolate Mousse, these options offer a delicious and satisfying finish to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Try these delicious desserts and discover why they are the perfect complement to a classic Irish dinner!
3 Delicious Desserts to Serve After Corned Beef and Cabbage
Corned beef and cabbage is a classic St. Patrick‘s Day meal, but what about dessert? After a hearty meal, you might not want something too heavy or sweet, but you still want something delicious to end the celebration. This article will explore three delightful desserts that perfectly complement the savory flavors of corned beef and cabbage, offering a satisfying and refreshing finish to your meal.
Why Choose These Desserts for Your Corned Beef Dinner?
These dessert choices offer a balance of flavors and textures, ensuring a pleasant contrast after the richness of your main course. They are also relatively easy to prepare, allowing you to focus on enjoying the festivities.
- Light and Refreshing: These desserts are not overly sweet, providing a light and refreshing finish after the heavier meal.
- Flavorful and Complementary: These desserts offer contrasting flavors that complement the savory notes of corned beef and cabbage.
- Easy to Prepare: These dessert recipes are simple and straightforward, making them ideal for festive gatherings.
1. Irish Apple Cake
This traditional Irish dessert is perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The moist and flavorful cake is made with apples, cinnamon, and spices, offering a warm and inviting flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the diced apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- You can also add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cake batter for extra texture.
- Garnish the cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
2. Lemon Sorbet
Lemon sorbet is a refreshing and light dessert that will cleanse your palate after a heavy meal. The tangy citrus flavor contrasts perfectly with the savory flavors of corned beef and cabbage.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions:
- Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the syrup thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and zest.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent large ice crystals from forming.
- Once the sorbet is frozen solid, use a fork or a food processor to break up the ice crystals and create a smooth texture.
- Serve immediately or store in the freezer for later.
Tips:
- For a more intense lemon flavor, use 3/4 cup of fresh lemon juice.
- You can add a splash of vodka to the sorbet for a boozy twist.
- Garnish the sorbet with a sprig of fresh mint or a slice of lemon.
3. Irish Cream Chocolate Mousse
This decadent dessert is a perfect way to end a festive meal. The combination of rich chocolate and creamy Irish cream delivers a delightful flavor that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Irish cream liqueur
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and add the Irish cream liqueur, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract. Stir until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the mixture into 4 individual serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
- Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder before serving.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips.
- You can also add a pinch of salt to the mousse for a more balanced flavor.
- Top the mousse with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a few fresh berries for a festive presentation.
FAQs
Q: What other desserts pair well with corned beef and cabbage?
A: Other options include classic fruit desserts like apple pie, berry cobbler, or even a simple fruit salad.
Q: Are there any non-alcoholic desserts that work well with this meal?
A: Absolutely! You can easily make the Irish Apple Cake and Lemon Sorbet without adding alcohol.
Q: What is the best way to store leftovers of these desserts?
A: The Apple Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, while the Lemon Sorbet should be kept frozen until ready to serve. The Irish Cream Chocolate Mousse should be refrigerated until ready to serve, for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect dessert to complete your corned beef and cabbage dinner can be a delightful quest. From the warm and comforting Irish Apple Cake to the refreshing Lemon Sorbet and the decadent Irish Cream Chocolate Mousse, these options offer a delicious and satisfying finish to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Try these delicious desserts and discover why they are the perfect complement to a classic Irish dinner!
In conclusion, rounding out your corned beef and cabbage dinner with the perfect dessert is an art form that enhances the overall dining experience. The delectable treats we’ve discussed offer diverse flavors and textures to complement the savory notes of the main course. Consider the smooth richness of the vanilla pudding, the refreshing tang of the cranberry sauce, or the comforting sweetness of the bread pudding. Each dessert brings its own unique touch to the table, delighting your taste buds and leaving a lasting impression.
Remember, the selection of dessert should cater to diverse preferences and dietary considerations. For those seeking a classic and comforting experience, the vanilla pudding offers warmth and familiarity. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, the cranberry sauce brings a vibrant pop of flavor and a touch of autumnal nostalgia. The bread pudding provides a delightful balance of textures and a generous helping of nostalgia, reminiscent of cozy evenings spent with loved ones.
When choosing your dessert, don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorites. Explore new flavors, consider any dietary restrictions of your guests, and take into account the overall ambiance and mood of your dinner. Ultimately, the goal is to create a delightful and memorable dining experience filled with delicious food and sweet treats.