St. Paddy's Day

Well St. Patricks Day is only 2 weeks away so I have got to dig down into my Irish roots. St. Patricks day is to celebrate one of the most commonly recognized patron saints of Ireland by indulging in a GREAT FEAST! I wanted share a corned beef and cabbage recipe with you so you can share in Irish tradition. Plus you've got to have a hearty meal to balance out that celebratory pint...or two!
Growing up I remember my mom making this every St. Paddy's Day and she would be sure to do other special touches for the day by adding green food coloring to everyday foods. Great Memories! Enjoy and have fun getting creative!
CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE
* 4 pounds lean raw corned beef brisket
* 3 tablespoons pickling spice (often included with brisket)
* 1 medium rutabaga, halved and cut into wedges
* 1 pound large carrots, cut into 4-inch pieces
* 1 1/4 pounds large fingerling potatoes
* 1 leek, white and light-green parts only, cut into 3-inch pieces
* 1/2 head Savoy cabbage, cut into wedges
* 1/3 cup horseradish, drained
* 1/3 cup sour cream

Directions

Place the corned beef in a large slow cooker and scatter the pickling spices on top. Layer the rutabaga, carrots, potatoes and leek in the cooker (in this order for even cooking). Add enough hot water (4 to 5 cups) to cover the meat by at least 1 inch, put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high, 7 to 8 hours.

Remove the meat and vegetables from the slow cooker and keep warm. Put the cabbage in a microwave-safe dish with 2 cups cooking liquid from the slow cooker, cover and microwave until tender, 7 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, boil another cup of cooking liquid in a small skillet until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Mix with the horseradish and creme fraeche in a small bowl.

Slice the corned beef and serve with the slow-cooked vegetables, cabbage and sauce; reserve about a quarter each of the meat and vegetables and 1 1/2 cups cooking liquid for Corned Beef Hash.
*In lieu of Corned beef and cabbage you could make a Sheapards pie
Enjoy! and Have a fun and SAFE St. Patricks Day!!