Céad Míle Fáilte!*

If it has not become completely, painfully, and obnoxiously obvious from my Facebook, Pinterest and just me in general - St. Patrick's Day shares top billing with Christmas as my favorite holiday. I have not collected quite as many St. Patrick's Day decorations as Christmas, but I am getting there slowly but surely. Someday, the house will look like a leprechaun clover village come February 15. If there were a holiday for which I would want to be showered with flowers, chocolates and jewelry I would prefer it be St. Patrick's Day over Valentine's Day.

I come from a 50/50 split of Irish and Swiss Italian (in that order) upbinging. I am proud of my Swiss Italian roots and credit it for my intense love of pizza, but I have spent a lot more time marinating in my mother's Irish side of the family. The Neville's, strong Irish folk who are full of love, adore family, laughter, and loud parties. We are a beautiful mess. So not only is St. Patrick's Day a celebration of the man, the clover, a somewhat religious holiday, and Guinness, for me it is a celebration of the family I come from, the family that shaped me. So, I go all out. I take it very seriously.

St. Patrick's Day is also a supremely fun holiday. Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day. It unifies people across the bar. I took to Facebook and asked my friends, "What do you think about St. Patrick's Day? Or what is your favorite thing about the holiday?" Here are some of their wonderful and excellent answers: 

"It is the unofficial start to the summer crazy beach party season! :)" - Ingrid B.

"First, it's the best holiday other than Christmas! And it's even better now that I can dress my daughter in St. Paddy's day outfits! :)" - Gina K. 

"I love St. Patrick's Day! I always feel lucky that day. Also, I love the old Irish blessings, corned beef and cabbage (we ate this every year with my Gramps), wearing something green and leprechauns!" - Trisha G. 

"Wearing an exTREMELY bright green shirt is not questioned during St. Patrick's Day. Most the rest of the year, people seem to wonder what type of person you are to love a bright green shirt enough to wear it. What if I just like bright colors? I happen to enjoy bright green." - Dave N.

"I have to say it's my least favorite holiday, except for the Irish dancing part which I love to watch and those sugar cookie shamrocks with the icing. Yum!" - Vania M.-J. 

"Corn beef & cabbage, and potatoes!" - Steven D.

"Your brown bread. Nuff said." - Caitlin S. (I love you, seeester.)

"I like that everyone is Irish for one day, I wear green and get to harass people for not wearing green, AND I listen to Irish music all day :)" - Natalie B. 

"Well... being Irish and damn proud of it, of course St. Patty's Day is one of my favorites! Being with family is what is most important to me." Maureen N.-L.

"I love that my bday is a holiday. Also I love that it is acceptable to start drinking at 8 am. Not that I would, of course." - Meagan L.

"I enjoy sharing my incredible talent with everyone- the Irish jig, of course." - Katie-Brice M.

"I remember as a kid my dad (who is Irish) would make a big giant dinner with corned beef, cabbage, green mashed potatoes, and green Milk! :) we always loved that! Plus my brother's middle name is Patrick and our grandma's birthday was on saint Patrick's day! :) I remember getting green bands on my braces for the special day! We always love it!" - Sara C.

"I always eat corned beef & cabbage. But my favorite thing THIS YEAR could be trying one of those awesome cupcakes (http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2011/03/14/irish-car-bomb-cupcakes/#more-11071)!!!" - Sharon W.

"Of course it is my favorite holiday....except for the fact I turn another year olde!! I miss you all! Love your faces!!" - Shannon N. 

Have fun this St. Patrick's Day. Be safe. Please, for the love of the shillelagh, wear something green. Drink some good Irish beer, find a pot o' gold, eat some corned beef, and hug a leprechaun. 

Sláinte!** ♣  

*A hundred thousand welcomes!

** Cheers!

Neville Clan

Peanut Butter Ball

Cupcakes? No, need a break. Whoopie pies? Naw. Rice Krispie treats? Not quite, too regular. Hmmm, what to make? This year when Paul and I were invited to a Super Bowl party I was pondering what dessert to make. I love making my cupcakes, but this group has probably had enough of those for a while and I wanted to try something a little bit new. I took to my "Foodie" pinboard on Pinterest and found something that looked easy enough to try, and I had yet to see it pop up at other events. I decided to make a peanut butter ball, much like a cheese ball but more delicious. I would suggest, if you are going to make this as a treat do not go the reduced fat route (Although, as you will notice I did get reduced fat Nilla Wafers). Just go big or go home. Also, do not use all natural peanut butter.

WARNING: The wonderful dessert you are about to create is very peanut buttery, if you do not like peanut butter maybe this is not for you! Also, if you do not like peanut butter we may have a problem.

Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (this is what the original recipe called for, I went closer to a cup)
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
3/4 cup chocolate chip (either semisweet or milk chocolate, although I imagine you could also use dark chocolate and it would be just as delicious)
3/4 cup peanut butter chips
Graham crackers, Nilla wafers, or whatever your imagination comes up with for dipping. I think I will try Oreos next. :)

First beat together the cream cheese, peanut butter, brown sugar, and powdered sugar in a large bowl until well mixed. Then scoop the mixture into a large piece of plastic wrap. Gather all four edges together, twist tightly and make a ball. It does not need to be perfect or pretty as you will later be covering it in peanut butter and chocolate chips. Place in the freezer for an hour and a half.

Mix together your peanut butter and chocolate chips. Lay them out in a large dish, or even the dish you plan to later serve on. Unwrap your peanut butter ball from the plastic wrap and place it on top of the chocolate chips. Roll the ball in the chips. For me it was easier to just take handfuls of the chips and press them into the ball. You do not want any bald spots. Once you are done with this, place the ball back into the freezer and freeze for two hours. If you have freezer room you can put the peanut butter ball back in the freezer on the serving dish or you can just move your peanut butter ball to a smaller dish for this part. You can also freeze over night, but if you do let it sit out for 20-30 minutes before you serve.

Serve with whatever vehicle you have chosen for getting the peanut butter goodness from the plate to your mouth. This is an excellent, no bake alternative to a delicious dessert.

Baker's rating: Easy