St. Patrick's Day: {part three} Dinner and Wrap-up!

So, to wrap up our festive day we had the traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage (and potatoes and carrots) for dinner.  This was my first time attempting the dish and I have to say it came out excellent!  We actually made two, one on the stove and one in the crock-pot. 

On the stove I just put the Corned Beef brisket (found at Vons for .99/lb) into a large stock-pot and added water to cover.  I added the seasoning packet (came with the meat) and brought it to a boil, then simmered 50 minutes for each pound.  Once it was done, I removed the brisket and added quartered red potatoes and carrots to the broth.  In the last hour I sliced and added cabbage.

In the crockpot I set the brisket in the bottom then added a bottle of dark beer.  I supplemented with enough water to cover the meat and added the seasoning packet.  This cooked on low for about five hours.  I did not add any veggies to this because they were already in the other pot.

My parents, Regan, and Brian came over and joined us for dinner!

{Nanny and the girls}

{the table set with green napkins and a centerpiece of green pears} 

Whew!  What a fun day!
I know we aren't Irish, but I still think it is fun to create these memories with the kids and have a reason to celebrate.  Hannah kep saying that it was 'Leprechaun's Day' ;-)

Ideas for next year:

• Smorgasboard of green foods: avocado, green salad, green peppers-sliced like clovers (thanks for the idea Alice!), kiwi, pears, celery, etc.
• Bagged rainbow licorice with gold coins in the bottom... like this one at it is what it is
• A leprechaun trap like this one at The Crafting Chicks