Irish Rarebit Food

IRISH RAREBIT

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, then add the milk and grated cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and becomes smooth. Add the vinegar, mustard, black pepper and gherkins; stir to combine and remove from heat.
• Allow to cool slightly, stirring occasionally. Preheat the broiler (grill) then place the four pieces of toast on a baking sheet and divide the cheese mixture evenly between them.
• Place under the broiler, until bubbly and hot; place on plates and serve with gherkins/cornichons and salad, if desired.

IRISH GUINNESS RAREBIT

Steps:

• Mix together the cheese, mustard, 1/2 egg yolk, Worcestershire sauce, Guinness and salt and pepper.
• Under the broiler, toast the slices of bread on one side.
• Sprinkle the cheese mixture between each of the toasts on the un-toasted side.
• Place under broiler for 2 - 3 minutes or until the cheese is melting, watching carefully. Serve immediately.

IRISH RAREBIT ON SODA BREAD WITH CHEDDAR CHEESE AND ALE

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a heavy pan and stir in flour to make a roux. Cook on a low heat for a further minute without allowing it to brown.
• Remove pan from heat and gradually beat the milk or buttermilk into the roux. Return to heat and stir until the mixture thickens. Stir in mustard and honey, spring onions and finally the stout/Guinness. Cook this mixture fairly rapidly for 2-3 minutes then add the grated cheese and stir over very low heat only until all the cheese has melted.
• Spread thickly on four slices of soda bread and place under the grill until golden brown and bubbling. Serve hot with soups, stews, salad, chutneys or pickles.
• (Serves 2 as a light meal or snack with salad and 4 as an accompaniment to soup or stew.).