Especially during the pandemic, it’s nice to make the most of every holiday we celebrate, safely, at home. Here are some ways to plan ahead for a special St. Patrick’s Day coming up March 17.
• Decorate with purpose. Incorporate green into banners, streamers, candles or even use green light bulbs.
• Plan some simple activities to help the fun flow. Games like a “treasure hunt” for gold coins, limerick-writing competitions or even just turning up Irish-themed music can be fun.
• Eat festively. Turn your family’s food and drinks into true Irish dining with some delicious recipes like this American Irish Stew, which includes beef, onion, carrots and potatoes for a tasty cultural meal. Also find corned beef and cabbage recipes online.
Find more tips at culinary.net.
American Irish Stew
Ingredients
- 1 tb extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/4 pounds beef top round, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion coarsely chopped
- 3 medium carrot peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
- 2 medium parsnips cut into large chunks (optional)
- 3 cups low-fat, low-salt beef broth
- 4 medium russet potatoes peeled and cut into large chunks
- 1 tb chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 leek coarsely chopped
- 2 tb fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste to taste
Instructions
- In large pot over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add beef and garlic. Cook, gently stirring until meat is evenly browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add onion, carrots and parsnips. Cook 3-4 minutes. Stir in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer about 75 minutes, or until meat is tender.
- Stir in potatoes and simmer another 30 minutes. Add rosemary and leeks. Continue to simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are tender. To avoid potatoes falling apart, do not overcook.
- Serve hot and garnish with parsley, if desired.