New Listings on Etsy!!

Just popping in for a quick update to let you know that I have been a busy bee and recently listed a few new items in my Etsy shop!! I'll be back soon with more updates on what I've been working on!!

Yum of the Irish!!

Just popping in to share a great St. Patty's day recipe with you!! Every March 17th, I serve the usual Corned beef and cabbage dinner.. I look forward to it each year, but another great irish recipe that I love to serve is Shepherds Pie!! I vary it depending on what I have on hand, but it is a great comfort food on a cold night! This recipe is particularly good with the Guiness.. mmmmm!! Hope you get a chance to try it. You won't be disappointed!! Following the recipe I have some pictures of decorating your home with touches of green. Hope they inspire you to getin touch with your irish side!! Happy St. Patricks day!!

Guiness Shepherd's Pie

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef

1/2 c. onion

1/2 c. diced carrots

2 t. minced garlic
1/4 c. Guiness stout

1/4 c. cabernet wine

3/4 c. beef broth

1 T. worcestershire sauce

1/4 t. each.. dried Basil, oregano, sage, marjoram

1 c. peas ( fresh or frozen )

2 T. butter

2 T. Flour

1/2 t. salt 1/2 t.pepper

Potato Topping ( Mashed Potatoes )

In a dutch oven, brown beef. Add onion ,carrot, garlic, wine, broth ,Guiness, w. sauce, and all of the dried herbs. Simmer until carrots are fork tender and then add peas. In another saucepan, melt butter and add flour to make a roux. Add roux tobeef mixture slowly to thicken sauce. continue to cook for 5-10 min. Add salt and pepper. Put mixture in large casserole dish. For the potato topping, make mashed potatoes to your liking. Many shepherd pie recipes vary this topping from simple mashed potatoes to mashed potatoes with white cheddar mixed in, herbs, cream cheese.. whatever tickles your fancy. I use just a simple mashed potato. Top your meat mixture with the mashed potatoes. If you are serving this to guests, you can pipe these on with a piping bag. Bake at 350 for 20- 30 min til potatoes are golden. Serve!!

A Fling with Spring!!

I am having a fling with spring!! I don't feel fully in that spring decor mode, but I am almos there, so I've decided it's a "fling"!! :) I have been going through my stored spring images as well as some I have found here and there and thought I'd share some pic's to get you inspring mode as well!! Maybe my next post will have some of my own personal spring decor to share.. Maybe.

I love this bucket of flowers in this kitchen. I know it's not truly a spring inspiration pic, but I love how just a few flowers reminds me that it is no longer winter!!

It's still cold enough for a cup of coffee or tea, but you should drink it in a spring mug for sure!!

Time to start planning those Easter eggs.. so many ideas!! And don't forget the outdoor decor!!