Simply Delicious Irish Christmas, A - Tapa dura

"The section devoted to 'Edible Presents' is particularly outstanding! No Christmas cuisine collection can be considered complete without the inclusion of A Simply Delicious Irish Christmas." -The Midwest Book Review BookwatchKnown throughout Ireland for her popular Simply Delicious television show and for her best-selling series of cookbooks, the Queen of Irish Cooking turns her attention to preparing simple, stress-free Christmas dishes. By following these recipes, anyone can minimize preparation time and reduce frustration while maximizing results and increasing the quality and flavor of the dishes.A meal of Traditional Roast Goose with Potato Stuffing and Apple Sauce, Champ, and Plum Pudding provides a true taste of the Emerald Isle yet is extremely easy to create. These dishes also are easy to cook ahead of time to avoid hectic last-minute preparation. White Christmas Cake may be kept for at least a week without freezing, while St. Stephen's Day Pie freezes quite well.As simple as these dishes are to prepare, they are even more delightful to present. After serving Old-Fashioned Roast Turkey with Fresh Herb Stuffing and Bread Sauce, hosts may dazzle their guests with a variety of edible presents, including Doreen's Fudge, Marzipan Dates, and even a Chocolate Christmas Tree.Nothing could be simpler-or more delicious.

Darina Allen owns the famous Ballymaloe Cookery School at Shanagarry, County Cork, Ireland, which attracts students worldwide and is revolutionizing the culinary image of Ireland. Ms. Allen is a member of the International Association of Cooking Professionals, Euro-Toques, and the Irish Food Writer's Guild. She lives up to her culinary reputation daily, but she outdid herself when she prepared a St. Patrick's Day breakfast for the president of the United States and 150 guests.