This is the second year in a row that I’ve organized a St. Patrick’s Day theme hop, and I’m delighted to have 13 other talented blogger buddies join me!
For the When Irish Eyes are Smiling party, I’ve expanded from just holiday tablescapes to include vignettes, crafts, and foods. You’re sure to find plenty of inspiration for celebrating —whether you’re Irish or not! Links to each feature are listed at the end of the rainbow post.
Today, I’m sharing my favorite St. Patrick’s Day dish, a stout-infused Irish stew with herbed dumplings. It’s the ultimate comfort food! And, perfect for the season here in Pittsburgh. On March 17th, we’re usually still experiencing cold, if not winter weather. Rather than seeing the green, it’s not uncommon for a blanket of white snow to cover the ground!
Mr. Buzz loves this flavorful, filling dish, with it’s fork tender meat and rich, deep brown gravy. He wishes I’d make it more than once a year. Happily, there’s usually enough leftovers to enjoy another day.
My approach to making Irish stew offers numerous options, so you can pick and choose the ingredients and cooking method that is sure to please family and friends.
I use affiliate links and am an Amazon Associate. If you make a purchase I may earn a small commission that helps to offset website operating costs with no additional cost to you. Your support is appreciated! Disclosure Policy.
If you’re coming from Mary’s festive handmade cone party favors, welcome lads and lassies!
Irish Comfort Food & Variations
Native to Ireland, the stew is traditionally made with root vegetables and lamb or mutton, but also commonly with beef. As with most folk dishes, the exact recipe varies from time to time, and place to place.
The same holds true for my version of Irish stew — a blend of three different online recipes, modified to meet my family’s preferences. It’s pretty easy to mix and match between recipes.
Unfortunately, the original Irish food blog that inspired my own stew is no longer published. Here are other posts and recipes that I’ve also drawn from:
- Guinness Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings by Host the Toast
- Guinness Irish Stew Recipe by allrecipes
- Irish Stout Beef Stew with Herbed Dumplings by PUNCHFORK
Debbee’s Kiss Me, I’m Irish Stew
What follows is not an exact recipe, but highlights the ingredients I use to make Irish stew. It easily makes four to six hearty servings.
Variations in my Irish stew, include; using bacon, beef, Guinness Stout, mushrooms, and herbed dumplings. My dish is also cooked solely on the stovetop, while some recipes call for using a slow cooker, or transferring the stew to finish in an oven to bake.
Start with Bacon, Beef
One of the recipes I combined to make Irish stew starts with bacon rather than vegetable or canola oil. Begin by heating a large stock pot or Dutch oven to medium heat. Then brown and crisp about a half pound of diced, thick-sliced bacon.
Brown, diced bacon put aside to add to the stew later, while rendered fat is used to sear beef and brown vegetables.
Rather than lamb, I use a beef chuck roast or boneless beef chuck for Irish stew. Add the beef to the pot with bacon drippings, and sear. Once all sides are brown, remove the beef pieces with a slotted spoon and place them aside with the already crisped bacon.
Two pounds of beef chuck roast cut into pieces and tossed in 2T flour, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
By searing the beef in the fat from the bacon, and then cooking the vegetables and garlic in the same fat, infuses a much deeper meaty flavor to the stew.
Beef chuck’s connective tissue breaks down and that gelatin keeps the meat moist. But that means the beef doesn’t release a lot of fat into the stew. So, for the veggies to have a meaty flavor requires a bit of bacon grease.
Carrot slices, diced sweet onion, and minced garlic browned in 1T of unsalted butter and remaining bacon drippings.
Next come the veggies. Start by cooking onions (pearl onions are a nice substitution for sliced) until softened. And, be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate brown bits leftover from the beef. Although many recipes for Irish stew call for adding chopped celery at this point, I do not.
About four large, peeled and sliced carrots are added next; cooking five minutes. Follow that with eight baby Yukon Gold potatoes (cut in half), and cook five additional minutes.
Now, stir in 4T of tomato paste, making sure all the pieces are coated. Stir often for another five to ten minutes. Finally, add the beef and bacon back into the pot.
Mushrooms Enhance Earthiness
Another ingredient I add for extra earthy, savory flavor is mushrooms. You’re far less likely to find mushrooms in most traditional Irish stew recipes. But my family loves ’em! Do you?
After liquids, a mixed variety of mushrooms added, submerged and brought to a boil.
I don’t know if the kind of mushrooms matter in making Irish stew? I usually just dump in an 8 ounce, mixed variety package from my grocer.
Some recipes cook the mushrooms in the bacon grease (after the beef), and then put them aside along with the seared meat. I don’t bother with the browning step. Instead I simply add raw mushrooms after the stout and beef stock (see next step). Just be sure they are immersed in the liquids before it comes to a boil.
Stout Infused Flavor
Another Irish stew variation I embrace is to infuse a robust, deep flavor by adding a bottle or can of Guinness Stout. Made from barley, hops, water and a specific strain of yeast, Guinness is a traditional Irish stout beer. It’s deep color and caramelized flavor come from the barley that is roasted, not malted.
As the beer cooks down, it also tenderizes the beef. Used in place of water, beer brings out the richness of the meat and veggies. The alcohol evaporates, leaving only the flavors behind.
Before adding other liquids, pour in the stout to deglaze the pan.
Afterwards, I stir five to six cups of low sodium beef stock into the pot. If you aren’t adding mushrooms, you likely only need four cups. Often, I’ll also add a dash or two of Worcestershire Sauce for a little twang.
Then comes some bay leaf and sprigs of thyme or rosemary. Bring the entire mixture to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for 60 to 90 additional minutes — until the beef is tender and practically falling apart.
Herb Dumplings
When I’m not making/serving Irish soda bread, I add easy herb dumplings to the stew. For ingredient measurements, refer to the online recipes referenced earlier.
Begin by whisking the flour, baking powder, herbs and salt together in a separate a bowl. Combine buttermilk and egg in another bowl before stirring into the flour. Oftentimes, I also add cheddar cheese. Let the mixture set up for about 10 minutes.
Once the beef is tender, uncover the Irish stew and drop six large spoonful of dough directly into the liquid. Then leave the mixture bubbling for 10 to 15 minutes. Flip the dumplings over and cook a final five to 10 minutes.
One the dumplings are done cooking, serve the stew immediately. Should you have any leftovers, the stew is very freezer friendly — minus the dumplings. Doesn’t it look yummy?
Have you ever made Irish stew? If so, with lamb or beef? Do you add stout?
Serve Irish Stew in St. Paddy’s Day Setting
The Irish Stew I’ve shared with you today was actually served last year on St. Patrick’s Day. I used low, flat antique Haviland bowls that had belonged to hubby’s great grandmother.
See that table and others from the 2021 hop, 14 Stylists Share St. Patrick’s Day Table Setting Ideas.
And, learn how to fold a Lucky 3 Leaf Clover Napkin for a quick and easy way to style a St. Patrick’s Day table.
This year, I’ll be serving the Irish stew on a newly styled holiday table using my Ireland Pursuit dishes. I’m the 12th lucky blogger to be a Keeper of the Cloth and it’s traveling leprechaun companion. See it at, Traveling Irish Shamrock Cloth Tablescape.
In fact, five other ladies participating in today’s hop have preceded me as Keepers — Mary, Sarah, Jenna, Rita and Linda. Linda kindly passed the tradition and cloth on to me.
Related Post Picks
14 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
Today, my talented blogger friends are sharing a variety of ideas and inspiration for celebrating the upcoming holiday. Next up is Karen and her clever copper penny table runner.
Bee sure to check out all 14 posts, including; Irish theme table settings, vignettes, crafts, table favors, and a tasty beverage.
St. Patrick’s Day Flying Colors Tablescape ☘ Panoply
Top of the Mornin’ to You! ☘ Hyacinths for the Soul
A Table With Irish Knot Carolers ☘ Life and Linda
Feelin’ A Wee Bit Irish ☘ Home is Where the Boat Is
Easy, Hearty Irish Stew for St. Patrick’s Day ☘ Debbee’s Buzz
St. Patrick’s Day Copper & Green Table ☘ Karins Kottage
Lucky & Blessed St. Patrick’s Day Table ☘ The Painted Apron
Copycat Red Robin Chocolate Guinness Shake ☘ My Hubbard Home
Putting a Spring Into My Step on St. Patrick’s Day ☘ The Little Yellow Corner Store
St. Patrick’s Day Blessings and Tablescape ☘ Me and My Captain
Flower Pot Leprechaun Hat St. Patrick’s Day Craft ☘ Interior Frugalista
How to Set an Elegantly Nonconformist St Patrick’s Day Tablescape ☘ Mantel and Table
Enchanted Leprechaun Grove ☘ Corner of Plaid and Paisley
St. Patrick’s Day Door Hanger Dollar Tree DIY ☘ Zucchini Sisters
2021 St. Patrick’s Day Table Setting Ideas ☘ Debbee’s Buzz
Heading to the Emerald Isle
Because of the continued impacts from COVID and the immergence of the omicron variant, Mr. Buzz and I reluctantly cancelled our upcoming April trip to Holland. It was right around Christmas and the Netherlands were in their sixth week of lockdown. And, they only very recently lifted a required 10-day quarantine for those entering the country — even those fully vaccinated and boosted who test negative!
We just couldn’t take that big of a financial risk. And, we didn’t want to spend our entire visit to Holland restricted to a river boat or hotel room. So, we’ll take the same Tauck vacation, but not until 2023.
But, at long last, it looks like our trip to Ireland is finally going to happen this summer! Thanks to the pandemic, the vacation will take place more than two years later than originally scheduled.
We are going on a ten-day, small group tour with CIE Tours. Celebrating their 90th anniversary this year, CIE has a long history in Irish hospitality (I have no affiliation with the company). Dear friends had traveled with CIE to Ireland before. We discovered the company had an excellent reputation, while offering lots of different Irish itineraries and types of tours.
Some of the places we’ll be visiting and exploring include; Dublin, Kildare, National Stud, Waterford, Blarney Castle, Killarney, the Dingle Peninsula, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, and Aran Islands. We’ll be staying in a few castles and taking part in some wonderful cultural excursions.
2022 Update: We did get to Ireland in August! Follow along on the journey in Ireland Vacation: 12 Day Itinerary in Emerald Isle and Ireland Trip to Cobh, Blarney & Dingle Peninsula.
Have you ever vacationed in Ireland? Have any suggestions or advice you’d like to share?
Pin Me
Featured Post
Link Parties
I regularly participate in: Metamorphous Monday, Turn About Tuesday, Centerpiece Wednesday, Whimsical Home Projects, In Link Party, Share Your Style, Tablescape Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Crafty Creators, Fabulous Friday, Saturday Sparks, Happiness is Homemade, and Love Your Creativity.
My first visit, and I smiled when I saw that you are the Keeper of the Cloth! I was the “keeper” in 2017. 😊 Your stew sounds amazing. I haven’t been to Ireland, but I am thrilled that you are able to go this year. I also noticed that you use Tauck for some of your travel, and we have taken two trips with them so far. Our area has an all day celebration (this Saturday) with a large parade and then most everyone heads to the local restaurants and pubs for all day music and corned beef and cabbage. We have the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley a few miles from our home that is lovely. As luck would have it here in central NY, we will be having a snowstorm during the parade this year.
Deb, I’m delighted you stopped by to check in on the latest Keeper installment! I had quite a number of tough acts — including yours — to follow! Yes, we also traveled with Tauck to Spain so far, and had a fabulous experience. Their local guides are incredible and the accommodations were luxurious. Here in Pittsburgh, we also have a big parade and city-wide party. Like you, we are supposed to be hit by snow, so we’ll be skipping the parade. But, I’ll still be making my stew which hubby prefers over corned beef. I hope you have a happy St. Patrick’s Day.
Your stew looks so good Debbee and yes, I have made it with both beef and lamb. The Stout makes the meat so tender so it is a definite add to the mixture.
I am Irish and love Ireland. One of my best friends is a native and lives in Dublin. The country is so beautiful. I am sure you will enjoy your trip.
Ukraine is on our minds and in our prayers and as European countries are so near to each other, I fear for the future of some.
Thanks for organizing this hop and it is always a pleasure to see what you have conjured up. (Love the shamrock fold napkins) You are definitely the queen of napkin folding.
I’ve never made the stew with lamb as I usually make rack of lamb for Easter. Do you have preference Kari — lamb or beef? Another thing we both have in common, we’re both Irish lassies. Or, I’m at least 30%. People say I look Irish because of my freckles and green eyes. Lucky you to have an Irish friend to visit. I have a friend who lives near Venice and visiting her greatly enhanced our trip to Italy. It’s horrible what’s happening in Ukraine and I hold back tears everyday when watching the news. I’m so angry at Putin I want to scream! We were going to substitute April in Holland with June on a river cruise and trip to Prague, but the nearness of the conflict has deterred us.
Good Morning Debbee! Your Irish Stew looks delicious for St. Patrick’s Day or as cold weather comfort food! I have a favorite recipe for Irish Beef Stew that we enjoy with Irish Whiskey Soda Bread and my hubby wishes I made more than once a year too. I’m sorry your trip to Holland was understandably cancelled but glad to hear you’ll be visiting The Emerald Isle later this summer. We’ve never been to Ireland but it’s on our bucket list. Thanks so much for your organizing efforts for this hop, it’s always a treat to hop with you and join you at the table. Erin go Bragh ☘️
Mary, I recently revisited your beef Irish stew and it looks equally delicious. Big difference between ours is I use the stout and mushrooms. I also like to make soda bread, even with the herbed dumplings in the stew — they disappear quickly! Even though there will only be two of us on St. Patrick’s Day, I’m making enough for 6 servings and will freeze leftovers. That way, hubby can have it 3 times. Ireland has been on our bucket list for the longest time. I can’t wait! So much to see and do. I’m especially looking forward to our day and dinner on a working sheep farm.
Stew day is a happy day at our house, especially during the winter. Your Irish stew recipe is definitely happening soon. I usually add wine to mine so I’m excited to try the Guinness. Pinned to my favorite recipes board. Thanks for the recipe! Your trip to Ireland this summer sounds exciting.
Do you make lamb or beef stew Marie? I’ve seen wine used in place of the stout and imagine it flavors the stew in much the same way? It’s easy to use stout because we always have it handy and serve it with dinner on St. Patrick’s Day in vintage glasses. Let me know if you try the stout version and how it compares with the wine.
I make beef stew. I will definitely let you know the comparison between wine and stout when I make it. Looking forward to trying your recipe, Debbee!
Your Irish Stew sounds absolutely wonderful! I’ve never made stew for St. Pat’s and it may be time to try it. Thank you for the wonderful recipe. I can’t wait to hear about your trip to Ireland, as that is also on my bucket list.
Thanks Maria, I hop you’ll give it a try and let me know how it turns out. Will you use lamb or beef? Crossing my fingers nothing deters our trip this summer to Ireland, hopefully third try will be a charm lol!
I will probably try making it with lamb. Last year, I made Shepherd’s Pie with lamb, as it’s truly supposed to be made and everyone liked it, so I think I will try that again. Lamb is leaner than beef, so it’s supposed to be better for us. We’ll see how it goes over. 🙂
Your Irish stew sounds like a bowl of heaven Debbee! A perfect meal to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! Your trip to the Emerald Isle is going to be fabulous, I look forward to hearing all about it~ thank you so much for hosting this fun St. Patrick’s Day celebration hop! ☘️
I don’t know about heaven Jenna, but my husband sure does love it! I started making the Irish stew shortly after we got married — in lieu of the corned beef and cabbage we both grew up with. Cabbage yes, corned beef not so much. Now it’s practically a requirement of my husband’s, and I shared the recipe with my eldest son’s girlfriend to make it for him.
Stew is a true comfort food, and your Irish stew recipe looks really good with the added bacon. What a wonderful adventure to be able to look forward to this summer! I love the idea of the intimate group tour. I’d really love to check visiting Ireland off my bucket list, as it’s where my paternal great grandfather originated.
Thanks so much for the Celtic calling of this blog hop! It’s a treat to participate and visit all the great ideas.
Rita, I could never be vegan and give up bacon lol! In addition to the other ways bacon enhances the stew, it sure makes the kitchen smell fabulous while browning. We are really looking forward to the trip and trying to convince other relatives to join us. I’m most looking forward to several unique cultural experiences like visiting a sheep farm, a race horse stable, and ferry ride to a remote island. Hubby is 75% and I’m 30% Irish. It’s been relatively easy to trace his ancestors to little villages, churches and final resting places. My two Irish great grandmothers were born in the states, so it’s been harder to find where their parents came from. We have a mix of Catholic and Protestant ancestors, but will not be visiting Northern Ireland on this trip.
Debbee, your Irish Stew sounds wonderful. I am going to branch out this year and make it. Bacon is always a welcome ingredient. I love the idea of herb dumplings. We would love to visit Ireland. Sorry to hear about your cancelled trip to Holland. I am excited to hear about your Ireland trip. Thank you for organizing this fun St. Patrick’s Blog Hop. I am off to explore.
Oh Linda I’m so happy to inspire you to make Irish stew! You’ll have to share what ingredients you decide on and how you like it. My husband would be very disappointed if I didn’t include the dumplings, I think it’s his favorite part of the stew! We’re bummed about Holland, but will hopefully go next spring. And, I’m lucky to have Ireland to look forward to this summer.
OH this stew would be perfect served in my little copper dishes! Wow it sounds absolutely mouth watering! I am hoping to get to Ireland soon as well. We are headed to Italy next week and I sure wish I could stop off over in Ireland to see where all my ancestors lived. Thank you so much for putting together this blog hop! So many fabulous ideas are being shared today! Love your tablescape!!
Hugs my friend,
Karin
It would be perfect in those copper pots! Karin you have me so tempted to order some! I’m about a quarter Irish, but hubby is 75% and our sons both have Gaelic first and middle names to go with our surname. Ireland has been on our bucket list for a long time and I’m so looking forward to it. Hope you have another great trip to Italy and look forward to an update on the construction. Maybe I can see you there one day!
Hello Debbee, the Irish stew looks amazing! I was Keeper of the Cloth in 2019, I love its tradition. My husband and I traveled to Ireland in 2015, we loved our trip and hope to go back one day! I will be looking forward to your posts when you return. I am so sorry I couldn’t join in on the hop ☘️💚☘️
So sweet of you to visit Pam. We certainly missed your talents! I hope your dad is doing OK as I know how stressful it is with an elderly parent. Wishing you a most happy St. Patrick’s Day.
Debbee, I grew up eating stew with dumplings. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug. Your recipe made with bacon sounds and looks delicious. I’m glad to hear you can start traveling again and the visit to Ireland will be special. Thanks again for this fun Irish hop.
You are a lucky lass then Rachelle as my family ate Cornish beef and cabbage for the holiday. Mom also made a delicious beef stew, but it lacked dumplings. The bacon really does add a special quality and I highly recommend it over cooking oil. We were fortunate to travel and ski with our eldest son and his girl in Jackson Hole, Wyoming last month. It was great to be outdoors and enjoy the scenery. Another treat was eating out at all kinds of different restaurants and watering holes.
Oh Debbee, that stew looks so amazing! It looks just wonderful. What a fun trip to Ireland you will have! I’ve never been, but I would love to go!
Thanks Pam! I hope you consider making a pot yourself. I’m trying to contain my excitement, because it had to be cancelled twice before. But, with St. Patrick’s Day next week, it’s hard not to. I’m especially looking forward to some of the cultural excursions like visiting a race horse stable, working sheep farm, and ferry ride to an Arian Island. Hope you get a chance to visit there one day too.
Debbee, you have me making a shopping list so I can make your Irish stew. Looks and sounds delicious! Thanks for organizing our hop today. Fantastic “pot of gold” inspiration among this talented group, I’m honored to be among. Thank you for inviting me.
I’m envious of your trip to Ireland. I’ve never been. I’d love to go and also would love to return to Scotland. Doubt either is in my future. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Do let me know if you make the stew Sarah, and how you like it. I strongly recommend the bacon over cooking oil if you do beef. Lucky to have your contribution to our hop! And, it inspired me to order three mini shamrock waffle makers and download Irish graphics — you naughty leprechaun lol! I’m really pleased with the diversity and quality of posts from such a wonderful group of ladies. And, I am indeed a lucky lass getting to vacation in Ireland. Problem is every time we travel I’m anxious to return — so it’s hard to scratch anything from the bucket list! Like you, I also want to go back to Scotland. At least I have my little Scottie, Whiskey, to remind me of it.
Debbee, this stew looks and sounds fabulous and I am so going to try it! Pinned! Thanks so much for sharing it. My paternal great-grandmother was a McCarron, descendants of McCarron’s, McDougall’s, McConville’s, and McFarlane’s, so I’ll send whatever small amount of Irish luck I have your way and hopefully your Irish trip will be a go! Hope Whiskey is doing well. Happy Thursday!
Oh, I hope you like the stew Kim! Please let me know how it turns out and what ingredient options you used. It’s wonderful you know about your Irish ancestors and I appreciate the luck coming my way. I have had great success tracing my husband’s many Irish lines to where they lived. My two 100% great grandmothers were born here, and although I have their immigrant parents and grandparents names, I do not know where in Ireland they came from. It’s likely because they moved to Liverpool, England first.
Whiskey snuggling up to me on the couch right now, after an exhausting romp in 5-6 inches of snow we got overnight. That’s pretty deep for him, lol!
So add me to the list of all the people who are going to be trying your beef stew!! Your trip to Ireland sounds like a dream!! I hope everything will go smoothly and that dream comes true. I have never been there, but it is someplace I would love to see. Wishing you much luck and a full pot at the end of the 🌈☘️Thanks for all your work organizing the hop!!💚
I’m so excited that you and others are planning to give the stew a try. Please let me know how it turns out. We got 5-6 inches of snow overnight and it sure would hit the spot tonight! Honestly Ann, if the third time isn’t the charm for getting to Ireland, it’ll really be upsetting — meaning the pandemic is still turning things upside down. I don’t know about gold, but hoping to do some shopping for linens, lace, vintage sheep figures, and sweaters lol!
Debbee, I am reading your article as I have my morning coffee, but before breakfast. Wouldn’t it be great to have a bowl of your gorgeously rich Irish Stew for breakfast!!!! It looks so delicious and hearty and, definitely, a comfort food. Wisconsin is still so cold, so a bowl of this mouth-watering stew at any time of the day would take away the chill in the bones. And bacon…….need I say more! Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Enjoy your stew and make your tummy happy!
Marsha, we awoke to 5-6 inches of snow this morning and I sure wish I had planned the warm, filling stew for tonight! I think my use of bacon is what is really attracting ladies to try my version of Irish stew. Could never be vegan or vegetarian and give up bacon! Plus it smells so good when cooking. I’ve pinned your shamrock-shape tea sandwiches to serve next time I host an Irish tea for friends.
Debbee, Glad to see you are the” Keeper of the Cloth” this year. I have enjoyed all the posts for the last number of years.
Your stew looks delicious and thanks for all the picture tutorials. Great idea to freeze some for later enjoyment. We are having some cold weather this weekend and it would be nice to have some Irish Stew.
I am glad you are getting to go to Ireland this summer. Great to have that to look forward to. We have not been to Ireland.
Glad your skiing trip went so well too.
I did a little Irish jig when the cloth package unexpectedly showed up in my mailbox from Linda. We got 5-6 inches of snow overnight and I’m wishing I had already shopped for the stew ingredients so we could have it tonight and leftovers on St. Patrick’s Day. Been so busy with the blog hop and regrouping from our ski trip that I haven’t had a chance yet to publish a post on it. Feeling in the mood today with all the snow on the ground! My Scottie, Whiskey, loves it, even though the snow is up to his chest lol!
Debbee – you will love the Dingle Peninsula! We used Rick Steves’ guide there and it was excellent. I will try your Irish Stew – it looks delicious!
Lovely to hear from you Linda, and I’m delighted you are going to try the stew. Please circle back and let me know how it turns out. Even when we take group tours, I always study up with Rick Steves beforehand. Helps me determine what we want to see/do and to prioritize that list (I always have twice the amount we can do in the time we are there, lol!). It’s helpful too in what we do on our own before, during and post tour. While in the Dingle Peninsula we’ll be visiting an authentic sheep farm and prepare and eat a meal there. Only wish we could spend more time in that area.
Oh Yummmmm – that looks and sounds fabulous Debbee – I can’t wait to try it. I really appreciate all the tips – they make it so much easier and more fun too. Thanks so much for organizing this wonderful blog hop. Happy St Patrick’s Day and Happy Travels!
If you do make the stew Barbara, I’d love if you’d circle back and let me know how it turns out. With all the 5 inches of snow we got overnight, I sure wish I had the fixings to make it for dinner tonight. Hope you have a great holiday too!
Debbee, I just made beef stew the other day, which wasn’t bad, but now I NEED to try your recipe! I love that it includes bacon and mushrooms, plus the dumplings make it extra special. I usually just serve my stew with crusty bread. I’m not a fan of corned beef and cabbage, so this is a perfect alternative St. Patrick’s Day recipe. Thanks for sharing. I’m so glad to hear that you’re going to Ireland! I’d love to go someday as well. Thanks for organizing this fun hop. What a great assortment of St. Patrick’s Day ideas!
Let me know if you try it with the bacon and mushrooms and how it turns out. Like you Rebecca, not a fan of corned beef. Really, really looking forward to our trip! Hopefully the third time we’ve scheduled it will be the lucky charm!
Your stew sounds wonderful. I almost never make dumplings and now Al is gluten intolerant. I wonder is other flours make dumplings as well. I have my late Irish mother-in-law’s recipe for Irish soda bread which uses a pint of full fat sour cream and egg for the fat in the recipe. I sometimes make scones out of it, too. I like blueberries or chopped dried apricots even better than raisins! Al and I both like corned beef and cabbage so I will prob do that for St. Patrick’s Day. He’s French Canadian and I am Scotch-Irish-Polish! My late Irish ex didn’t care for it! I envy your trip to Ireland; enjoy!
So happy you stopped by for a visit. How nice to have a recipe passed down in the family. Wonder if you used low fat sour cream if it would affect the soda bread taste. Didn’t realize you could use the same dough to make scones! I like blueberries, but using apricot sound fab-u-lous. I’m not a raisin fan. Hope you and Al have a very happy St. Paddy’s Day Kathy!