Luck of the Irish

I really miss being among my friends in Savannah, but especially on days like St. Patrick's Day! There's nothing quite like the celebration those Savannahians have on such a day. The entire city turns green! It's incredible. There are special ceremonies dedicated to turning the fountain water green! At one time even the Savannah River turned green. The downtown area is like the infamous pot of gold. And leprechauns from all over the country make it their home for the week! It's just amazing!

The parade is like no other and is one of the largest in the entire country. Savannah in itself is beautiful, but if I could click my heels and say there's no place like home, I'd actually be in the Emerald City!

Well, here in Norfolk it was pretty much just like any other day. Although my colleagues in the office had beautiful coordinating attire. We could have posed for a picture and looked fabulous!

Since St. Patty's Day fell on Wednesday, I brought out my good friend Crock Pot and decided she would serve her duty for "Crock Pot Wednesday". I made a delicious Irish Stew.

Traditionally the Irish farmed root vegetables and their meat mainly sheep or lamb. As the Irish immigrated to the United States, they brought along their many recipes. This once thin peasant soup has been transformed into a rich and hearty stew often made with Irish Beer such as Guinness. And since sheep aren't as readily available other meats have been substituted.
Here's a recipe that's delicious!


Guinness Beef Stew
2 pounds beef stew meat
4 medium carrots
4 medium onions
2 stalks celery chopped
1 Tablespoon butter
Pinch salt and pepper
2-1/2 cups beef stock
4 potatoes sliced and quartered
1 Tablespoon chopped parsley
1 Tablespoon chopped chives
1 Tb. thyme
1 Tb. Rosemary
2 Tablespoons herb seasoning (Mrs. Dash or other)
2 Bay leaves
12 ounces beer (Guinness, draught or stout)

Add ingredients to the crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours.
(Ya'll know how we like rice, so we add a scoop to our bowl)