March in Chicago is anything, but boring. With the ever-changing weather, the green river and all of the St. Patrick’s Day parades, it’s a fantastic time of year. Whether you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or not this 2-part series of “Noshing with Nyah” is sure to make you think of all the splendor of springtime in Chicago.

Co-worker Nyah loves to cook things that make the kids at Mercy Home’s bellies warm and full.  This stew is perfect for a rainy day in March and is simple to make! In this first video, Nyah makes Luck of the Irish Stew, recipe below:

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Luck of the Irish Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs cubed beef stew meat
• 2 tbs seasoning mix ( smoked paprika, garlic,kosher salt and black pepper)
• 1 cup flour for dusting
• 1.2 tbs olive oil
• 2 tbs minced garlic
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 quart of beef stock
• 2 tbsp Pink Himalayan Sea Salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 3 red or Yukon gold potatoes, cut
• 2 carrots cut into 1-inch piece
• 2 parsnips cut into 1-inch piece
• 1 lb of Spinach
• 1 head of cabbage
• 4 zucchini cut into 1-inch piece
• 4 stalks celery cut into 1-inch piece
• 1 green bell pepper cut into 1-inch piece
• 1 large onion white cut  into 1-inch piece
• 1 can Guinness

Directions:

1. In a large pot, put lightly dusted beef cubes in oil and until crispy and fried.
2. Stir potatoes, carrots, celery, bell pepper and onion into the pot. Stir in rosemary, parsley, salt and pepper.
3. Deglaze pan with beer.
4. Add beef stock, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer 1 hour.
5. Add zucchini and spinach.
6. Dissolve cornstarch in 2 tbsp cold water and stir into stew. Cover and simmer 1 hour more.

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There’s almost nothing better than an ooey gooey marshmallow treat. Nyah invited a guest chef to help mix, make and try this St. Patrick’s Day delight.

In part 2 of this March series of “Noshing with Nyah,” Mercy Home co-workers Nyah and Jenny, created this dessert perfect for eating while watching a parade or sitting next to the green Chicago river. Enjoy this second video where Nyah makes Lucky Charms Marshmallow Treats. It’s a delightful treat that you won’t want to stop eating! Recipe below:

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Lucky Charm Marshmallow Treats

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 1 bag mini marshmallow’s (16 oz)
• 1 box Lucky Charms cereal (11.5 oz)

Directions:

1. Grease 9×13-inch pan; set aside.
2. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Lucky Charms cereal.
3. Turn the mixture into the pan and press into an even layer. Allow to set at room temperature until firm, 30 minutes to 1 hour. Cut into squares and serve.

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Thanks to our Manager of Food Service Operations Nyah Griffin, who is also a former resident of Mercy Home, for these delicious recipes and for always making sure out kids have nutritious meals!