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Festive Fun for St. Patrick’s Day

Turn your St. Patrick’s Day celebration into a chance to enjoy Irish heritage with hearty foods and a lively atmosphere. When it’s the one day each year it’s acceptable to pinch non-conforming friends and family, it’d be a shame not to go all out.

These few simple tips can help you put together the perfect party to revel in all things green – and tasty.
  • Decorate with purpose. Everyone knows that green is the color of the day, but go one step further by incorporating it into different items. Banners and streamers work fine, but setting out green candles or even adorning your light fixtures with green bulbs can help you take an extra step forward.
  • Create active fun. Instead of limiting your guests to dining and conversation, 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 help get the party started.
  • Eat festively. Turn your party’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 to fill all of your hungry guests.
For more hosting tips and the perfect themed recipes for any occasion, visit culinary.net.

American Irish Stew
Reprinted with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research


Servings: 6
  • 1          tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/4    pounds beef, top round, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
  • 3          cloves garlic, minced
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • 1          medium onion, coarsely chopped
  • 3          medium carrots, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
  • 2          medium parsnips, cut into large chunks (optional)
  • 3          cups low-fat, reduced-sodium beef broth
  • 4          medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
  • 1          tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1          leek, coarsely chopped
  • 2          tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Serve hot and garnish with parsley, if desired.
Nutritional information per serving: 370 calories, 8 g total fat (2 g saturated fat), 43 g carbohydrate, 32 g protein, 6 g dietary fiber, 427 mg sodium.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
Culinary.net

Comments

Alli Smith said…
We love Irish Stew at our house and I usually make it on St. Patrick's Day. I don't really decorate for this holiday, but it's a fun one and I always make sure we all wear green.
Beef stew is always a bit hit in our house, particularly during winter months. I don't use parsnips but I beet my hubby would enjoy trying them.
candy said…
We love our Irish stew,banger and mash dishes. Can’t forget the scones or the soda breads. Get your Irish on.
AiringMyLaundry said…
I need to make this stew! Honestly we don't do a lot for St. Patrick's Day. My daughter is actually having her birthday party on that day, so we'll be focused on that.
Wearing green is about all the decor there is. But I usually do corned beef and cabbage. I need to pull out my Guiness cupcake recipe and make it too.
Our Family World said…
My husband just found a recipe for cabbage rolls, actually it looks more like a cabbage cake. He said we'll try making that. I hope we do make it turn out as perfect as the picture. We'll don't decorate unless we have the little nephews and nieces for a visit.
joannabri said…
We never really celebrate St. Patrick's day too much. I don't even make any Irish recipes, unless you count mashed potatoes. ;-) These are all really great ideas!
Anonymous said…
I really want to make Irish stew. I once had it at a restaurant and it was amazing. I have to recreate it at home this year.
Carol Cassara said…
It would be nice to celebrate St. Patty's day with good food and a whole lot of fun! Love these reminders that you have for all of us.
Sara Welch said…
Now that is a good looking stew! I love the cultures of this holiday.
Kita Bryant said…
I cannot wait for the party next weekend. We are going to have a lot of stuff to do for St Patrick's Day.
Kraus House Mom said…
I love any kind of stew, but this Irish family is big on Irish stew. We make it frequently in the colder months.
Saidah said…
Having good food is always a go. Whenever there is a get together there has to be food.
Jeanine said…
Yum! This looks and sounds so tasty. I haven’t had a good stew in a very long time!
Cat said…
Sounds delicious! Love me some good stew!
chubskulit rose said…
Okay that stew looks so tasty. I would love to make this for St. Paddy.
Farida said…
The stew looks lovely! I'm sure it does not only look great but the taste is heavenly as well. Every celebration calls for a festive food. And this is a perfect dish!

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