Brett and I have always loved celebrating St. Patrick's Day.
While he was in college, he would go to Savannah's River Street with fraternity brothers to celebrate it "thoroughly." After college, we found a couple of irish pubs we really liked, and not just for St. Patrick's Day. One was Ireland's Four Provinces in DC, we loved the Irish bands that played there, and I admit, I loved eating a late night shepherd's pie there. But now with kids we have found some other ways to celebrate the Patron Saint of Ireland.
I have to note that this year is the first year that, our son, who is named Patrick, didn't think today was his birthday. Usually he is asking me where his presents are by now since we usually have some sort of party. Alas, this year we have been so busy, we did not do it up as we usually like to. However, we did try to keep the spirit. I bought him this book last year:
It is by Tomie dePaola. I like everything he does! I actually learned a few things from this book:
1) Patrick was English, not Irish
2) He was captured by the Irish and employed as a slave until he escaped about six years later.
3) He returned to Ireland after having a dream that "called" him back to be a missionary
4) How he was conitinually persecuted
5) That he started the first church in Ireland out of a barn.
The book also has a section at the back that tells the legends about St. Patrick, such as how he drove snakes out of Ireland and how he taught the trinity with a shamrock. As always, dePaola's illustrations are amazing.
After learning more about St. Patrick I am reminded that God calls us to difficult tasks, ones that may even seem impossible. However, we must have faith, we must obey, and we must persevere. Patrick led a life that did that.
"As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverence and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."-- James 5:11
Now what you really came for, the food!!
Of course, I made our traditional Shepherd's Pies. Tonight I made them in individual ramekins since we all needed to eat at separate times. I just popped them in the fridge and baked them when I needed them. I will say this, the Hungarian paprika is a must, it has such a wonderful flavor, regular paprika is too bland.
Mini Shepherd's Pies
5 medium sized potatoes, sliced
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons cream cheese
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 onion finely chopped
2 carrots, diced
1 cup frozen peas
1 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon pepper
8 oz. tomato sauce
In a medium pot boil the potatoes for about 15 minutes or until tender. Preheat oven to 375'. In a nonstick skillet brown the beef with the onions and carrots. Once browned drain the grease. Add the peas and spices. Add the tomato sauce and heat through.
Divide the beef mixture among 8 6 oz. ramekins.
Meanwhile, drain and mash the potatoes with the milk, butter, and cream cheese.
Top the beef mixture with the potatoes.
Bake for 30 minutes.
You can make this a few hours ahead of time and bake once you are ready to eat. Just bring ramekins to room temperature first.
This is my favorite! It is super easy, and leeks are super good for you.
3 tablespoons butter
3 large leeks
2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
4 1/2 cups of chicken stock
Melt butter in a dutch oven over medium heat. Clean leeks and cut leeks. Add leeks to the butter, stirring often. Once leeks are tender add the potatoes. Cover and cook until the potatoes begin to soften but are not browned. Add the chicken stock and simmer 30 minutes. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup, you could also puree in a regular blender in batches.
Of course, all this tastes better with Guiness!
Leprechaun Soda
3 scoops Lime Sherbet
6 oz. Sprite
"May you always walk in the sunshine. May you never want for more. May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door"
Irish Blessing
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