From the kitchens of Amy & JJ 

The tastes of St. Patrick’s Day include great options like Irish Soda Bread, Stews, Potato Dishes and cooking with Guinness!

Guinness Lamb Shepherd’s Pie
1 Lb Ground Lamb
1 Medium Carrot, diced
2 Medium Yellow Onions, diced
2 Tblsp Tomato Paste
5 Cloves Garlic, minced (roughly 5 teaspoons)
1 Tblsp Worcestershire Sauce
1 Cup Beef Stock
2 tsp Thyme leaves (fresh is available)
1 Can Guinness (can make without)
Parsley for garnish
Olive Oil – for browning the lamb

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
In a large pan, add a splash of olive oil to the pan and turn to medium heat. Add garlic, onions and carrots, cook for 8 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook another 2 minutes. Color should be a brick or rusty tone. Stir occasionally, making sure not to burn to the bottom of the pan.
Raise to medium-high heat and add lamb. Cook until the lamb is brown.
Add the rest of the ingredients (minus the potatoes) and simmer. Sauce should reduce and the liquid should be thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Use the potatoes to make standard mashed potatoes, salt and pepper to taste.
When potatoes are done, put lamb mixture into a baking dish – then cover with the mashed potatoes.
Bake for 20-30 minutes, until potatoes have browned. Add some butter to the top of the potatoes and garnish with some parsley!
JJ Gordon