Happy St Patrick's Day!!

My morning started with green scrambled eggs and scones topped with green sugar! A fitting way to start the day, I think. I then prepared my corned beef brisket. I decided, after much deliberation, to make it in the Crock pot. In it went with a little water, 1/2 an onion, a few chopped carrots and topped with cabbage. I also added some freshly ground pepper. I alternated between low and high for about 8 hours. What emerged was absolutely scrumptious. My DH says it's delicious. I've never had corned beef before, so I don't know what it's supposed to taste like. However this was the perfect amount of salty and seasoning. Sooooo tender and just plain yummy. I served it with a traditional Colcannon(at least that's what I hear) and an Irish soda bread. All in all, a really good dinner. It needed a dessert, but I never found an Irish dessert recipe. Just green ones.

It's almost spring...sort of

Well, last week at this time, I was trapped at home by about 18 inches of snow. This week it's warmer, rainy and extremely soggy. So, of course, my thoughts turn towards my garden. You may recall, last fall DH built me a second raised bed. YEAH!! Today I plan on pouring through my seeds and starting a plan. We have already obtained 2 seed starting kits. I pray that I have better luck than last year. My Dh was given a huge selection of seeds from a few ladies at work. We are extremely excited to see how they do. One of the packets is OKRA. I'm not even sure it can be grown her in NE Ohio. We'll have to wait and see.
I have several changes to make since last year. I'm not a big fan of beets. I know this now. So, I will not plant as many. The only reason I'll plant some is because the bunny likes the greens and DH loves them. He doesn't eat very many though.
Definitely need more beans and peas. Also, I've decided I'm not a big fan of mesculin mix. I thought I was, but I was wrong. This years lettuce selection will be more along the lines of Romaine, and leaf lettuce.
Another lesson learned from last year, plant the cabbage family early!!! We didn't get nearly enough brussel sprouts and we all love those. Especially, Toby, our puppy. I can't remember if I mentioned her or not. I'll post pics though. My son also has a Guinea pig now, who loves the sprouts. I didn't think the cauliflower did well last year, but it cold just be because I planted too late.
In other news, I have converted my darling husband to a foodie. With the help of Jamie Oliver. DH has started cooking and now is very interested in what I plant. We have also obtained an Imperia pasta roller. He plans to make fresh pasta weekly. I'm all on board. The pasta that we purchased at the WSM changed our lives. I'm back to making our bread. I love my new pans. Chicago Metallic. They rock!!
Oh, and in honor of the 25%of me that is Irish, I'm making corned beef and cabbage for the first time this year. I'll post evidence on Monday. I'll also make my traditional, green scrambled eggs with scones. The kids would be crushed if I didn't.
So, stay tuned for actual news and regular posts again.