Everyone is Irish on March 17th! During the 7 days leading up to the annual feast which celebrates Saint Patrick, the foodies at Chop on the Block will be featuring a traditional Irish recipe. Sláinte!

Gather around the table for a fabulous fondue along with a cold pint of Guinness! Recipe adapted from Epicurious.com.

Ingredients

2 cups cubed crusty bread such as French or Italian
2 cups cauliflower florets
2 cups very small brussels sprouts
2 apples, cored, cut into wedges

1 pound Irish cheddar cheese, grated
2 1/2 tablespoons all purpose flour
3/4 cup (or more) Irish stout (such as Guinness)
6 tablespoons frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Directions

Steam all vegetables until tender, about 15 minutes. Arrange bread, vegetables and apples around edge of large platter.

Meanwhile, toss cheese with flour in large bowl. Bring 3/4 cup stout, juice concentrate, and mustard to simmer in large saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add cheese mixture, stirring constantly, until cheese is melted and smooth, thinning with more stout, if desired. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer fondue to bowl and place in center of platter.

Coming tomorrow: Bailey's Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies