home is where the heart is: three

we were lucky to have some cousins visit this week...gotta love the summer!  we all took a break from the home projects; of which there are too many to name here!  basically, the whole house is up for a re-do and the painting of the whole house is the first project (i did finally get a "perfect" white paint color for most of the condo, but this will be discussed in another post). 

 

before their arrival, liam and i spent time learning about our irish heritage.  we read poems, books, stories and tales and sang a favorite irish song (he is not too keen about belting songs out with mom, but he did it...and i had him accompany me with his hand-me-down guitar from alex).  we were the only ones home and i am glad that our walls are pretty thick! 

 

here is the traditional, irish stew we made to end our celebration of all things irish. 

it warmed our bellies during those few chilly days, and was super easy to make.  instead of making it on the stove, we simplified the recipe by using a crock pot.  the recipe is a keeper, liam loved it and he can pretty much make it himself...well, almost!

traditional irish stew

adapted from a pot of gold, by kathleen krull

 

4 large onions, cut in wedges
(we used 1, the kids do not fancy cooked onions)

2 tablespoons oil

5 large carrots, cut in thick slices (we used a small bag of pre-washed, baby carrots)

1 1/2 pounds steak or lamb

6 large potatoes, cut into large chunks

1 cup of water (we tripled the recipe and used 3 cups)

salt and pepper to taste

1 bay leaf*

 

drizzle oil into the bottom of the crock pot, place the beef or lamb on top.  add all vegetables, water and sprinkle salt and pepper on top with a bay leaf(*optional).  cook on the high setting for 6 hours or the low setting for 8-10 hours. 

 

~dana