Mary had a little lamb

NO -- I didn't have that particular little lamb. I was too busy eating to take pictures.

Lamb Chops with Braised Root Vegetables, Colcannon, and Irish Soda Bread

Lamp Chops

This was, by far, the most difficult part of the process.

Go to Trader Joe's -- buy lamb chops - follow directions. WHEW I'm worn out just thinking about it.

Braised Root Vegetables

2 tablespoons butter
1 pound packaged baby carrots
1 rutabaga, peeled and diced
1 onion, diced
Salt and pepper
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock

Heat a skillet with a cover over medium to medium high heat. Add butter, carrots, rutabaga and onion. Cook veggies 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add broth or stock, bring to a simmer, and reduce heat and cover. Cook vegetables 15 minutes or until fork tender. Remove from heat and set aside.

Colcannon

2 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 slices bacon
1/2 small head cabbage, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup butter, melted

Put potatoes in saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil. Cook until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Cook bacon in skillet over medium-high heat. Drain, reserve drippings, crumble and set aside. In drippings, sauté cabbage and onion until soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.
Drain potatoes; mash with milk. Add salt, pepper, bacon, cabbage and onions. Transfer to serving bowl. Serve with butter.

Irish Soda Bread

On the south side of Chicago, near 63rd and Cicero is a GREAT Bakery called Winston's. They make GREAT Irish Soda Bread. It's about a 45 minute drive from my house (each way).

Across the parking lot from Trader Joe's in Naperville, is a place called Great Harvest Bread Company. They make a REALLY REALLY REALLY good Irish Soda Bread. It's a 6 minute drive from my house.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

(P.S. to Crem -- Colcannon at Chez Van MUCH better than Colcannon at Ballydoyle)