A delicious soup that is quick and easy to make. Serves 6.

Ingredients:

• 3 leeks (chopped)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 pounds fresh asparagus (chopped)
• 2 cups potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon parsley (minced)

Instructions:

1. Over medium high heat, saute the leeks in the butter. Mix in the chicken broth, asparagus, potatoes and pepper and bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to simmer. Cook for ten min. or until done.
2. Using a food processor, blend the mixture (not at all at once), and return to the pan. Stir in the milk and simmer until hot, garnish with fresh parsley.

This popular favorite is a great side to any summer barbecue! Serves 6.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz macaroni (uncooked)
• 3/4 cup mayo
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1/4 cup onions (diced)
• 2 prepared jalapenos (diced)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring water to boil, add salt and pasta, cook until done. Drain and rinse under cool water. Set aside.
2. Combine remaining ingredients in another bowl, then add in the macaroni. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve, at least half an hour.

This sweet potato casserole is topped with delicious, crunchy pecans. Serves 6.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups prepared yams (peeled and cubed)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons butter (room temp)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Topping:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup flour
• 3 tablespoons butter (room temp)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (coarsely chopped)

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 325 F (165 C).
2. In a medium pot, place in cubed yams and cover with water. Over medium high, cook yams until tender; drain, mash until creamy.
3. Combine yams with remaining ingredients, stir until smooth. Pour into rectangular baking dish.
4. For the topping, combine the brown sugar and flour in another bowl. Cut in the butter until crumbly, then add in the nuts. Top yam mixture in dish with the topping.
5. Bake for half an hour, or until golden on top.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with this easy, traditional Mexican dish. Serves 6.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 2 large onions (chopped)
• 1 jalapeno (chopped)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 ounce taco seasoning
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 11 oz condensed chicken soup (canned)
• 2 cups mozzarella (shredded)
• 6 corn tortillas

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 350 F (175 C).
2. Cook beef, onion and pepper over medium high in a large pan, until beef is brown and cooked. Add in the water and seasoning, reduce heat and let simmer until liquid is gone.
3. Combine the yogurt, soup, and cheese in another bowl, set aside.
4. On the tortillas, place even amounts of the meat mixture. Then, layer with the yogurt mixture and roll to close. Place filled tortillas in a baking dish, top with remaining yogurt mixture. Bake for about half an hour.

Perfect for Cinco de Mayo! A warm and hearty blend of beef, garlic and spices. Serves 8.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 large onions (chopped)
• 4 cloves of garlic (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 60 oz stewed tomatoes (canned)
• 15 oz tomato sauce (canned)
• 15 oz kidney beans (canned)
• Cheddar cheese (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a pot, mix together the beef, garlic and onion. Over medium heat, cook until beef is done. Drain liquid and place beef mixture in a bowl.
2. Add in the spices, tomatoes and sauce, and stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce, cover, and let simmer. Cook for about one hour, stirring occasionally.
3. Add in the beans, and let simmer and additional twenty minutes without the cover. Serve garnished with cheese.

A fast and simple yet delicious milkshake you can make to celebrate the holiday! Serves 2.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/4 teaspoon mint extract
• green food coloring
• Whipped cream and sprinkles for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients on high until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately, garnished with whipped cream and sprinkles. Enjoy!

Quick and traditional, this bread will be a sure hit at your St. Patrick’s Day party! Makes 2 loaves.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups sour cream
• 1 cup red raisins

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 325 F (165 C). Prepare two standard loaf pans (grease lightly).
2. Combine together the flour, salt, sugar, baking soda and powder. Incorporate in all of the eggs, cream and red raisins, stirring sparingly. Place batter into pans and bake for one hour or until set.

Simple ingredients but incredible flavor! Enjoy this classic Irish dish this St. Patrick’s Day. Serves 15.

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds beef brisket
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 12 oz stout beer
• 1 cup chopped carrots

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 300 F (150 C). Prepare brisket: rinse and dry.
2. On an oven roasting pan, place in the prepared brisket. Coat beef with sugar thoroughly. Add in the carrots, and then the beer, gradually.
3. Bake, covered, for two to three hours, or until tender. Let rest before serving.

A fresh and delicious pie to celebrate Spring and St. Patrick’s Day. Makes one pie.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cracker crumbs
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (canned)
• Pinch table salt and cream of tartar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 medium key lime sliced
• a few drops green food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 325 F (165 C). Combine cracker crumbs with butter and sugar. Form crust in pie plate, bake in preheated oven for just five minutes. Set aside and leave to cool.
2. Separate the eggs as follows: 2 egg whites in one bowl, and 2 yolks and a whole egg in another bowl. In the bowl with the yolks, add the lime juice, condensed milk and green food coloring. Stir and incorporate until smooth. In the other bowl, with the egg whites, beat together with salt and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Combine with other egg mixture. Pour into prepared pie crust.
3. Bake for about 12 minutes or until firm. Let cool completely at room temp. Freeze pie for at least five hours, or overnight. Garnish with lime slices and whipped cream.

Perfect for breakfast in bed, these classic waffles are great for Valentine’s Day. Serves 5.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)

Instructions:

1. Heat your waffle iron while preparing batter.
2. Combine together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and unsweetened cocoa in a large bowl. Add in the milk, eggs and butter. Mix until smooth.
3. Pour batter on to preheated iron, cooking until golden. Serve immediately with syrup or choice of topping.