As another winter slowly winds down, I find that I am craving green. With the approach of St. Patrick’s Day, my thoughts are turned to the verdant hills of Ireland.
For now, I am a full-time student, tethered at home. Primroses and ranunculus are a lovely consolation, sigh.
Shamrock Service
As Ireland converted to Christianity under St. Patrick, legends of magical creatures like fairies and leprechauns grew smaller until they were “wee people.” Even mischeivous leprechauns honor St. Patrick by doing secret acts of kindness and your family can help.
Give everyone a handful of shamrocks (make or buy at a craft or fabric store) and have them look for opportunities to do secret acts of service and kindness anonymously. Mark the spot with a shamrock. At dinner on St. Patrick’s Day, collect the shamrocks to sprinkle around the table and enjoy evidence of kind and loving deeds.
Valentine’s Day Dinner: Beef Stroganoff
In honor of love and the Olympics in Russia this winter,
here is a Beef Stroganoff dinner for your Valentines.
This recipe is a variation of the classic dish popular in
19th century Russia. It can be ready in less than an hour from start to finish; for a special treat make heart-shaped bread sticks and a strawberry and greens salad with candied pecans.
Beef Stroganoff
Dissolve
3 beef bouillon cubes
in
2 ½ C. hot water
Set aside. Cut into ¾” x 3″ slices
2 lbs. beef tenderloin or sirloin steak
in
2 ½ C. hot water
Set aside. Cut into ¾” x 3″ slices
2 lbs. beef tenderloin or sirloin steak
Melt
3 TBSP. butter
in a large skillet, sauté
1 lb. sliced mushrooms
Remove and set aside. In same skillet, brown beef. Reserve
2/3 C. beef broth
stir into skillet remaining broth and
1/3 C. dried onions
¼ C. catsup
1 ½ tsp. garlic salt
Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Blend together reserved broth with
Blend together reserved broth with
1/3 C. flour
Add to meat. Heat to boiling stirring constantly. Boil and stir
one minute.
one minute.
Reduce heat and add
2 C. low fat sour cream
Heat through.
Cook 12 – 16 oz. egg noodles noodles as directed on package. Serve with Stroganoff sauce. Makes 6 – 8 servings
Strawberry and Green Salad With Candied Pecans
Toss together
1 5-7 oz. bag baby salad greens and spinach
2 C strawberries, sliced
1/3 C candied pecans
Dress with 1/3 – 1/2 C Strawberry Vinaigrette
Strawberry Vinaigrette
Mix together
1/4 C vegetable oil
1/2 C strawberry vinegar
1/4 C honey
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Candied Pecans
In a nonstick pan, cook and stir until melted and golden
1 C sugar
2 C pecans
Add 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Break into chunks and cool on parchment or non-stick surface
Happy Valentine’s Day!