Kristy's Soon-to-be World Famous Guinness Irish Stew

"Who's the only Irishman who can stay out all night? Patty O'Furniture!"

Let the fun begin this week, with St. Patrick's Day coming up this Wednesday, just in case you've missed all the parades, wonderful Irish recipes and wearin' of the green lately. It's a great time to have a festive celebration as we leave the cold and gray of winter behind, and look forward to the warmth and blooming greens of spring. Coming from the family of Riley, we especially love this festive holiday, and coming as is it does in the middle of Lent this year, we also enjoy a break from the slower pace of the season. But, don't enjoy it too much. Just a pint or two of the Guinness or one of my new favorites, Sam Adams Irish Reds, ought to give you a smile and a twinkle in your eye, but still allow you to be at work the next day, without the wee leprechauns mercilessly pounding away at your spirits.

So, here we go with one delicious stew:

Kristy's Guinness Irish Stew-6 Servings

Ingredients:

2 Lbs. cubed eye of round beef

1 small can of tomato paste

2 tsb.  Montreal steak seasoning

2 cups beef broth

1 cup chopped carrots

1/2 cup chopped onions

2 tbs. olive oil

1 bottle Guinness Stout

Brown meat w/ 2 tbs. of olive oil in dutch-oven

Brown slowly …Don't crowd the pan

With the last batch of meat, add chopped onions

Cook over med high heat 2-3 minutes

Add 3/4 beer- to deglaze the pan

Add remaining ingredients-bring to a boil

Cover and simmer for 3 hours

Serve over mashed potatoes with Irish Soda Bread and more liquid Guinness

Top it off with a dessert of mint chocolate chip ice cream and a drizzle of O'Kaluha.  Even though Kaluha might not be considered Irish, it does contain alcohol which is universally acceptable by all Irishman of any descent on this most holy of Irish Holidays! Erin go braugh!