Ah, St. Patrick’s Day…a holiday best known for green beer and lots of partying. I’ve been fortunate enough to have spent one St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, but most of the others have been filled with a bit too much beer, unfortunately. Although “Guinness is Good for You!”

This year, I wanted to do something different than the normal outings at crazy-busy bars of years past. I decided to have a St. Patrick’s Day dinner with Irish fare.

The bf and I hosted some close friends for an Irish-themed dinner last night. It was a nice, quiet evening at home and I got to entertain as well as try out several new recipes. Win-win! And so much better than being in a jam-packed pub, crammed under someone’s armpit in the hour-long wait for a green beer.

Here’s what we had:

First course:
Leek and Brocoli Soup with rustic bread
This soup is traditionally Irish with simple, hearty and straightforward flavors, and low in calories at only 135 per serving.

Second Course:
Irish Shepherd’s Pie
Made with ground lamb, this shepherd’s pie uses different spices and herbs like cinnamon and fresh rosemary to give more flavor and interest to this traditional dish.

Third Course:
Chocolate-stout cake with Irish cream frosting, and a chocolate and Irish whiskey ganache.
The original recipe was for cupcakes, but I decided to make a cake. The ganache is decadent…but takes away from the Irish cream frosting (which is so delicious). The chocolate-stout is a recipe I’ll make again – very rich and not too sweet.

Spirits:
Irish car bombs, Guinness, and Baby Guinness (pictured)
I did treat myself to a drink I haven’t had since I was in Greece in 2005…a Baby Guinness. This decadent drink is simply Bailey’s and Kahlua, over ice. YUM!

Hope your St. Patrick’s Day was filled with fun, and not too much crazy!

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!

-An Old Irish Blessing