It’s almost St. Patrick’s Day and with only 6 days to go I’m already in a panick! Hubby is 100% Irish and it’s the grandson’s birthday, so there’s lots of celebrating going on in the McGowan household on March 17th.

For the last ??? years I’ve made the traditional corned beef and cabbage, but this year I’m thinking about doing something different. Not sure why I keep making it every year because I think I’m the only one in the household that likes it.  Besides that everyone goes around complaining about the smell in the house from the cabbage.

Despite all the Irish blood spilling all over this place, not one of those good old blarnies care for corned beef and cabbage. Every year I make it because I just think I should, and we end up with tons of leftovers that noone wants.

I’m looking for ideas on something new and different this year. Any ideas? Irish stew is an option but I’ve never made it before so I’m not sure how it’s different than any other stew.

Just in case you’re looking for a corned beef and cabbage recipe, here’s the one I WON’T be using this year. It’s good…if you like corned beef and cabbage that is.  Now that I’m nixing this family tradition I’m sure I’ll be hearing “where’s the corned beef and cabbage mom”.

CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
Cooking Time: 2 Hours 40 minutes (for 3 lbs)
3 1/2 Hours (for 4 lbs)

3-4 lb. corned beef brisket (with spice packet that
comes with the corned beef)
10 small red potatoes (can substitute any other kind
of potatoes but if you use a larger
potato you’ll need to halve or
quarter it depending on the size)
5 carrots, pealed and diced or julienned
1 large head cabbage, cut into smaller wedges (1/4)
1 onion, pealed and cut into quarters
2 small turnips, chopped (optional)
1 Can Beer (optional)
3 cloves minced garlic
10 whole black peppercorns

Horseradish sauce: 1/4 cup prepared horseradish, 1 TBS. dried chives, 3/4 cups sour cream, juice of 1/2 lemon. Mix all together and refrigerate while corned beef is cooking.

Rinse corned beef (if desired) and trim excess fat (leave some fat on meat because this makes it juicier). Put the corned beef in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the spice package that came with the corned beef and fill with enough water (and the can of beer if using) to cover the corned beef. Add the minced garlic and the black peppercorns. Cook for approximately 1 hour 40 minutes for 3 lbs. and 2 hours 30 minutes for 4 lbs. Add the potatoes, carrots and turnips. Cook for an additional 40-50 minutes. Add the wedged cabbage and onions and cook for another 20-25 minutes. Serve with the horseradish sauce.

I just watched Nadya Suleman, the octomom, on Dr. Phil where she said that she has decided to accept the offer from Gloria Redman and “Angels in Waiting” to help care for her 14 children.

Originally the offer deadline had passed according to Gloria Redman, but Nadya has reconsidered and will be receiving (according to her statements on Dr. Phil), wrap-around 24/7 care for not only the octuplets but for all 14 of her children.

So I went to look up “Angels In Waiting” just to see who these kind hearts were that would be helping out and caring for these children.  Seems to be a little confusion about them!  Here’s what I found on the Angels In Waiting website:

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE

POSTED: 02/24/2009

AIW Home Care is NOT and HAS NOT been connected in any way to Nadya Suleman, the Octuplets’ Mother in California who gave birth to 8 additional children.

Angels in Waiting Home Care is NOT donating or supporting Nadya Suleman in any form.

Angels in Waiting Home Care has NEVER been associated with Ms. Suleman in any form.

Any company or persons using ANGELS IN WAITING Home Care is in violation of TRADEMARK LAWS
and AIW Home Care will pursue legal actions against anyone violating them.

So just who are these Angels In Waiting that Gloria Redman has been referring to?  This whole thing has become one big circus and a media free for all (including Dr. Phil as far as I’m concerned).

Say some prayers for those poor kids because I think they’re going to be in it for the long haul.

If anyone can refer me to more information on the CORRECT Angels In Waiting, please post in the comments.  I”m so worried about those little babies and the other 6 older kids too.