St. Patricks Day

St. Patrick's Day has developed special meaning for me since my grandmother's death in 2000.  Both of her parents came to the US from Ireland, and being Irish was something she was very proud of.  She always told me that my dark hair and eyes were a result of being "dark Irish" (I'm pretty sure they are from being half Nicaraguan but I never argued). 

While I never spent St. Patrick's Day with her, I always heard that she made corned beef and cabbage each year.  The year that she died I was supposed to see her on St. Patrick's Day for my first taste of the traditional Irish meal, but she passed away on March 1.   

In an effort to keep her traditions alive with my family, I now make corned beef and cabbage every year.  My Irish husband enjoys it as do Tommy and Conor.  I must admit I have never tasted it, being a pescatarian for the past 8 years keeps me from things like corned beef.  But I am more than happy to make it for my family.

This year we spent the day with our extended family, the Sahotas, and also celebrated Bella's upcoming 6th birthday.

On the menu was corned beef and cabbage cooked in Guinness all day, homemade Irish potato bread, and mashed potatoes with gravy.  For dessert we had Guinness chocolate cake and cupcakes.

Here are some photos from our day...

The leprechaun trap we made the night before.  The sign Joey made reads, "free Lucky Charms and gold for leprechauns" and there is a trail of marshmallows leading to the box.

The gold dust left behind when the trapped leprechaun snapped his fingers and escaped from the box. 

I made chocolate Guinness cake with Baileys Irish Cream frosting..

...and cupcakes with Lucky Charms on top.

A very happy Bella about to blow out her candles.