After New York, New Jersey is home to the most St. Paddy’s Day celebrations in the US, hosting parades in various cities every weekend in March. It’s a day not just to drink green beer, but to eat shamrock-shaped, Guinness-infused sweets as well! We’re finding out what the Pro-Paddy Partiers serve to their holiday guests.
We decided to head to Hoboken, NJ. With more liquor licenses per capita than any other NJ town, Hoboken doesn’t disappoint with one of the most extravagant, full-day celebration experiences; on the first Saturday of March every year, the city kicks off the St. Paddy’s Day holiday season with the opening parade.
We caught up with veteran attendees of the parade: Cherilyn, Amy, and Sarah who have lived in Hoboken for the past half-decade. These lassies host an annual party at their flat early in the day before heading out. We spoke with the baker of the group, Amy, to find out what types of goodies go over best at their Irish shindigs.
EX: What foods have been served at your St. Paddy's Day parties in the past?
A: Guests brought an array of [food] - pastries, donuts, cupcakes, chips - and my roommate's sister made some delicious potatoes.
(What’s more Irish than potatoes!? )
EX: Since this is a baking column, let's get right to the point. What baked foods have been served?
A: So from what I can remember, I didn't bake anything for my first St. Paddy's party in 2009, but as usual people brought store-bought and home-baked donuts, cupcakes and cookies, and other delicious treats.
[2010] was the first year I attempted a more Irish treat and baked Car Bomb-inspired cupcakes. With Guinness baked into the cake, a Jameson whiskey ganache center, and Bailey's frosting... they were a huge hit.
(Yum! For an Irish Car Bomb cupcake recipe, click here.)
EX: What treats have gone over the best with your guests?
A: I think anything delicious that includes alcohol has a great chance of being successful!
(I heard this year they’re making a Shamrock Ice Luge!)
Pastries are always a huge hit because the party starts in the morning.
EX: What baked goodies do you plan to serve this year?
A: The menu for 2011 includes three Irish inspired treats... some more authentic Irish than others. I'll be making "Green" Velvet Cupcakes, Shamrock Rice Krispie treats, and Irish Cream Truffle Fudge (baked with Bailey's). I hope this year is as much of a success as last year and I look forward to everyone tasting the treats.
EX: Any baking recipes or tips you’d like to share?
A: A fun tip for St. Patrick's cupcakes... if you want to shape your cupcakes like a shamrock, place 4 marbles or 4 balls of foil around the cupcake holder before placing in the oven. The cake batter will be shaped like a clover, adding an extra festive touch.
Thank you to Amy for her lucky Irish party tips. If you have any suggestions for St. Paddy’s Day celebrations, leave a comment!
Oh, he occasionally takes an alcoholiday. -Oscar Wilde, Irish playwright
