The Lederman Kitchen

Our trip back to the US was too short to do everything and see everyone we wanted.  But it was all the time we had so we tried to make the most of it. After Lauren & Ryan's wedding in Seattle , seeing and spending time with friends and family in Portland and the Bay Area was our priority.  Along the way, we squeezed in eating the food we miss and running some essential errands - you know Costco, Target, Banana Republic. We were busy.  And I was pretty bad about getting out my camera.  I know, I can't believe it either.  It just felt so normal being home, spending time with our friends, eating at our favorite restaurants.  I'm full of regrets now. How cute are our Nephews? Seeing some of my besties in Portland Portland Boys photo, with Clara - there are a few playmates for her on the way in this group! Pho - I miss this so much in Ireland, it's hard to look at the photo Beautiful fall trees in Portland Mom's amazing homemad...

Last weekend was October Bank Holiday, but since we're heading back to the US this week, we decided to lay low in Dublin, but still make an effort to get out of town for a day.  The weather forecast for Saturday was cold but sunny.  That's about as perfect as it can get over here, so we wanted to take advantage of it.  We hit the road in the Little Green Machine  with our friends Abby & Brandon for a trip down to Glendalough to go on a hike. Brian and I had been to Glendalough before, on our first road trip in Ireland , but we didn't go on any of the hikes, so I was really looking forward to it. Before we headed off on a hike, we walked around the remains of St. Kevin's Monastery. St. Kevin's Monastery - a church with the Round Tower in the back The Round Tower at the Monastery Cemetery at the Monastery  Another shot of the cemetery, with the view Abby and I The whole gang by the lake Starting the accent  T...

Although summer was pretty much non-existent here in Dublin, we definitely feel autumn settling in quickly.  The mornings are getting colder and the days shorter. Scarfs and gloves are becoming a necessary and like any day in Ireland, an umbrella is always at arms reach. Sunday, Brian decided to make Irish Beef and Guinness Stew, with soda bread.  It was delicious and a perfect way to warm up on a chilly evening.  Today the forecast was a high of 49°F, so leftovers were welcomed tonight. Irish Beef & Guinness Stew with soda bread. Ingredients: ~15 peral onions, peeled 2 carrots, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 1 parsnip, chopped 1.5 cups potatoes, chopped 1 pound stewing beef 16oz can of Guinness 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 14oz can diced tomatoes 1 cup of beef stock 2 bay leaves Fresh thyme salt and pepper olive oil First prepare all the veggies. Carrots, celery, onions and parsnip - all ready to go Add carrots, celery,...