THE VILLAGE VOICE

"May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks, may your heart be as light as a song, may each day bring you bright, happy hours that stay with you all the year long." ~ Irish Blessing MUSSELS IN GARLIC & GUINNESS ~ from the Irish Pub Cookbook "The Brazen Head ... in Dublin, has been trading for 800 year ... reputed to be not only the oldest pub in Dublin, but also one of the oldest in all of Ireland ....These mussels, steamed in garlic and Guinness are one of the pub's most popular starters." ___ 2 pounds fresh mussels, scrubbed, debearded , and rinsed in cold water 1 minced shallot 3 cloves minced garlic 1 Tbsp. minced fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish 1 1/2 tsp. minced fresh thyme 1/2 cup Guinness 1/2 cup half & half 2 Tbsp. unsalted Kerrygold Irish butter Lemon wedges for serving French bread for sopping Put a stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. When the pot is hot, add the mussels and remaining ingredients and cover immediately. ...

"Laughter is brightest where food is best." ~ Irish Proverb ____________________________ ~ Make a wish _______________________ MUM'S IRISH STEW ~ Mum wasn't Irish but cooked with plenty of laughter and love *** 4-5 pounds (1-inch chunks) stew beef 1/2 cup flour seasoned with coarse salt, cracked pepper, garlic power & thyme 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 stick unsalted butter 2 chunky chopped fat onions 2 cups chopped celery 6 cups organic beef broth 1 bottle of Guinness beer 1 cup red wine 1 small can tomato paste 1 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 Tbsp. Kitchen Bouquet 1 Tbsp. Lawry's Seasoned Pepper 2 Tbsp. dried thyme 2 Tbsp. dried parsley 1-2 pounds chunky chopped peeled potatoes 1 pound diagonally sliced peeled carrots 1 1/2 cup frozen peas Fresh chopped parsley Shake meat in seasoned flour. In heavy stock pot, brown meat in batches using olive oil & butter as needed. Remove and set aside. In same pan, brown onion and celery. Ret...