Saint Patrick's Day Blessings and Shepherd's Pie Recipe!

 

Felted Shamrocks made by the kiddos

 

"May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand." Irish Author Unknown

Today is the feast day of Saint Patrick, a public holiday in Ireland and an internationally recognized day of Irish pride!

Saint Patrick was the son of a deacon who was kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave. In a dream God told Patrick when and how to evade his captors.

I am thankful today for dreams sent by God...

Upon returning to his native Roman Brittain Saint Patrick became a priest. He returned years later to Ireland as a bishop and was well known for converting the Irish natives from there polytheistic faith to Christianity. He is held in high esteem among Irish Christians to this day.

Saint Patrick used the shamrock to symbolize the Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

This is most likely why Saint Patrick is credited with driving all the snakes out of Ireland since the snake is a well known symbol of paganism.

"May the strength of God pilot us, may the wisdom of God instruct us, may the hand of God protect us, may the word of God direct us. Be always ours this day and for evermore." - St. Patrick 

 St. Patrick's Day 2010

 Family Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients:

1 Onion, chopped

3 cups of chopped carrots and peas

2 cups chopped broccoli and kale (or other spring garden greens)

2 lbs of potatoes

1 stick of butter

1/2 cup of broth

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Ready made, soaked, biscuit dough from this recipe

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Chopped the potatoes and bring them to a boil in a large pot. Boil them for about 20 minutes. While they are boiling combine onion, carrots, peas, broccoli and kale in a pan along with the Worcestershire sauce and broth. Cook on medium heat until tender. 

Line a buttered baking dish with the biscuit dough.On top of the dough evenly spread out your veggies. Take the potatoes off the stove, strain and mash them along with the butter, add salt. Spread the mashed potatoes over the veggie mix. Place in the oven at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes or until brown on top.

"May St. Patrick guard you wherever you go, and guide you in whatever you do and may his loving protection be a blessing to you always."  Unknown Irish Author

Have a happy day!