INSTRUCTIONS:

AS ALWAYS, IF YOU ORDERED MULTIPLE KITS PACKED TOGETHER, ADD A FEW MINUTES TO THE TIMES FOR HOT FOOD.

You'll probably notice that I've switched the packaging for the metal containers... the ones I generally use are becoming very hard to source, so we're trying these out instead.  It might be temporary; it might be permanent...

In my mind, that soda bread with the butter, jam, and cheddar should be a first-course item while the other items are heating up, but you could certainly serve that with the main course if you prefer.  If you decide to break these items up into smaller meals, definitely DON'T think about separating the potato champ from the beef... they should be served alongside each other for maximum deliciousness.


First, do this:

• heat your oven to 375 degrees

• remove the lid from the pan of beef stew and cover the pan with foil

• remove the lid from the pan of veggies

• store your soda bread at room temperature... if you aren't having it today, then FREEZE the bread and allow to thaw before following the directions below

• you'll want the butter spreadable for the bread, so leave it out to soften before using it

BROWN SODA BREAD WITH CHEDDAR
375 degree oven, 5 minutes or so
uses the tomato-onion jam, butter, and sliced cheddar

Unwrap your bread and separate the slices. Place the slices onto a foil lined baking tray and heat in the oven for 5 minutes or so, until warm but not toasted.

Spread the warm bread with a little butter and savory tomato jam, then top that with some cheddar and serve warm.

IRISH BEEF-GUINNESS STEW
375 degree oven, 30-40 minutes

Place your pan of beef stew, covered, into your preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until everything is steamy and quite hot and it's simmering a little at the edges. Remove from the oven and cover until ready to serve... this can rest on the countertop for up to 20 minutes.

While most people think of stew as something you eat from a bowl, I encourage you to put this onto a plate along with the potato champ below. It's only a stew because that's the name of the dish... it's really more like rich braised beef with vegetables. Serve hot, definitely alongside the potato champ and preferably alongside everything else.

AUTHENTIC POTATO CHAMP
microwave, 2-3 minutes

Crack the edge of the potato container and microwave for 1 minute on high. Stir the potatoes as best as you can then return to the microwave for another minute. Remove them from the microwave, add 2 tablespoons hot tap water if they seem too thick, then stir to incorporate. Replace the lid and keep warm until you are ready to serve. Serve hot, definitely alongside the beef and preferably alongside everything else.

ROASTED GREEN VEGETABLES
375 degree oven, 10-15 minutes

Place the pan of veggies, uncovered, into your preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. See if things are warm... we aren't looking to COOK the vegetables, just warm them up. Give it 5 more minutes if needed. Serve hot, preferably alongside the other menu items.

CHOCOLATE GUINNESS CAKE (if ordered)
room temperature

Let the cake slices sit out at room temperature while you're having the meal. This is an all-butter cake, which means it's extra rich and delicious, but much less good when cold. Serve at room temperature.