Car Bomb Cakes

Some recipes take longer than others; this one lingered so long we started referring to it as “the beast.” The goal was to deconstruct the Irish car bomb — that lovably irresponsible drink special that says “I throw caution to the wind like a Mick throws a Molotov cocktail in a bobby’s face — and make it food. The gimmick was simple: take the three booze components of an Irish car bomb (whiskey, Guinness and Bailey’s Irish cream) and put them all on one plate.
Our first attempt, brazen and cocky as it was, turned out god awful. We made a dessert grilled cheese sandwich of Irish aged cheddar topped with whiskey onion jam, Bailey’s whipped Mascarpone cheese and Guinness reduction syrup. It was confusing and bitter and it rivaled our other top flop: the Double Bastard French onion soup.
But last weekend we gathered our confidence and tried again. We’re proud to bring you our Irish Car Bomb Cakes: Guinness flapjacks served with a shot glass of Bailey’s whipped cream and whisky maple syrup.

Whiskey Syrup

4 shots bourbon whiskey
2 cups Grade B maple syrup
1. In a small saucepan, bring the whiskey to high heat and let it reduce for about 2 minutes, then add maple syrup, stir and continue to heat until bubbly. Set aside.

Bailey’s Whipped Cream

1 pint heavy whipping cream
4 oz. Bailey’s Irish cream
1. In a large mixing bowl, add Bailey’s slowly to cream and whip the shit out of them with a whisk for 10-15 minutes or until thoroughly airy.

Guinness Flapjacks

2 envelopes dry yeast
2 cups flour
1/2 cup, plus 1 tsp white sugar
1.5 teaspoon baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 cups Guinness, room temp.
3 Tbs. warm vegan butter
1. Activate the yeast by mixing 1/8 cup warm water, a splash of beer, and one Tsp. of sugar in a small bowl. Stir, cover, and set aside for ten minutes.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Gently whisk in the Guinness and vegan butter.
3. Check your yeast. If it looks like a blob out of control, whisk it into the batter. Let the batter sit for ten minutes. Then heat a greased skillet and drop batter in 5-inch diameter portions. Flip once bubbles appear or side is dark brown, about 2-3 minutes.
Beverage: Harp
Soundtrack: The Pogues’ Peace and Love