4 In & Around | Spring’s Prelude | March 2025 inaroundmag.com “Like” us on Facebook at: In & Around Lifestyle & Home Magazine. CONTENTS In & Around | March 2025 Letter from the Editor In & Around Magazine Editor-in-Chief Sonia Duggan Graphic Design & Art Director Debra Engstrom Advertising Chad Engbrock Janice Martz Contributing Writers Sonia Duggan, Carrie Dunlea, Allison LeBrot Contributing Photographers Sonia Duggan, John Kanelis, Allison LeBrot, Habitat for Humanity of Collin County To Advertise with us: cengbrock@csmediatexas.com Telephone – 972.442.5515 ext. 29 How to reach us: Mail – P.O. Box 369, Wylie, TX 75098 Telephone – 972.442.5515 Editorial comments and suggestions sduggan@csmediatexas.com Advertising information advertising@csmediatexas.com In & Around Magazine is published by C&S Media, Inc., a Texas corporation. Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. We accept no responsibility for returning unsolicited materials. In & Around Magazine, Northeast edition, is distributed monthly to each household, business and post office box in Farmersville, and Princeton. Additional copies are available for $6.95 per copy, plus postage. Publisher & President Chad Engbrock Associate Publisher & Vice President Sonia Duggan For our other publications go to www.csmediatexas.com 6 I&A Champion Building Homes, Strengthening Communities 8 I&A Travel Shamrocks & Shenanigans 12 I&A Local A Museum of Memories 14 I&A Home Creating a Bathroom Oasis 16 I&A Food Savor Hearty Irish Fare 8 W elcome to the March issue of In & Around! As someone with Irish heritage, I always love shining a light on St. Patrick’s Day, and this month, I’ve sprinkled a bit of Irish fairy dust throughout these pages. A er all, “Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!” Our Champion this month is Habitat for Humanity of Collin County, a nonpro t housing organization operated on Christian principles. rough its mission, it has helped many families achieve the dream of homeownership—no small feat given today’s rising rent and real estate prices. Under the leadership of new CEO Shonda Shaefer, the organization is continuing to make a meaningful impact in our communities. In I&A Travel, Carrie Dunlea takes us on a journey to some of the best places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in her article, Shamrocks and Shenanigans. Meanwhile, our Food section embraces the Celtic theme with delicious recipes that Savor Hearty Irish Fare—from Guinness Stew to Zesty Braised Beef and more. If you’re looking for an excuse to cook up a festive feast, we’ve got you covered! For our Local feature, we’re thrilled to introduce you to a unique gem right in our backyard—a toy museum in the Wylie/St. Paul area. Packed with vintage keepsakes, Star Wars memorabilia, arcade games and so much more, this hidden treasure is truly e Best Little Toy Museum in Texas. Read the full story on page 12 and maybe even plan a visit. A er the wild weather ride we endured in February, here’s hoping March brings more stable springtime days. And to all the parents out there—I hope you and your kids enjoy a fun and relaxing spring break! Sláinte!
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6 In & Around | Spring’s Prelude | March 2025 I&A CHAMPION L ast year, seven Collin County families celebrated the holidays as new homeowners thanks to a program that has been putting “God’s love into action by building homes and communities” since 1992. Habitat for Humanity of Collin County (HFHCC), a nonpro t housing organization operated on Christian principles, has helped many families who might not otherwise have owned a home achieve their dream of home ownership, despite rising rent and real estate prices. Six of those families now own new homes—four townhomes constructed in McKinney’s Cotton Groves community and two single-family homes, one in McKinney and one in Princeton. Another new homeowner now proudly resides in a “recycled” Habitat duplex in Wylie, a perfect t for her and her adult son a er years of waiting patiently for a home. With the departure of Celeste Cox, who had dedicated 20 years to the nonpro t, guiding it through growth and challenges alike, new CEO Shonda Shaefer is on a mission to streamline operations, ramp up homebuilding and refocus on the organization’s core mission: putting families in safe, a ordable homes. “Prior to me coming on board, we were averaging about three to four home builds a year,” Shaefer said, explaining how a 2018 merger between Collin County and South Collin County Habitat chapters had stretched resources thin. In just a few months under her leadership, HFHCC completed several home builds and 10-15 critical repairs, including a longdelayed project that had been under construction for more than ve years. Critical repairs and the Jimmy Carter House While building new homes remains a priority, HFHCC is also committed to helping aging homeowners stay in their homes through its critical repair program. is initiative addresses safety concerns, from installing handrails and ramps to major structural repairs. To qualify for assistance, applicants must own and occupy their home as their primary residence, be current on property taxes, and reside within the HFHCC service area. Additionally, applicants must be present during repairs and participate as able. Eligibility is also based on household income, which must fall between 10% and 80% of the Median Family In come. One particularly meaningful project Shaefer mentioned involved a home on Green Street in McKinney, owned by a couple who had lived there for 30 years. e husband, a retired construction worker, and his wife, a former elementary school lunch server, found themselves in dire need of assistance. “When we arrived, the home was absolutely unlivable,” Shaefer recalled. “ e roof was caving in. ere’s no way they weren’t being rained on in their bed at night because you could almost see through the roof.” Building homes, strengt ning co unities Habitat for Humanity of Collin County powers forward with renewed vision By Sonia Duggan
inaroundmag.com Recognizing the severity of the situation, HFHCC opted for a complete rebuild. e project gained momentum as part of a year-end fundraising campaign in honor of former President Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday, later becoming a memorial following his passing. “We decided to work with the city and make this house a fresh start for both the family and the community,” Shaefer said. “We named it the Jimmy Carter House.” With funding from the McKinney Community Development Corporation (MCDC) and community volunteers, the rebuild is well underway. ough soil issues caused delays, Shaefer remains optimistic. “Once we pour the foundation, then we get to do all the fun stu with volunteers and framing,” she said. “ is will be a great community project.” Revitalizing homeownership with recycled houses Beyond new builds, HFHCC is also revitalizing existing homes through its Recycle House program. When a Habitat homeowner moves, the organization exercises its First Right of Refusal to buy back the home, renovate it, and offer it to another qualifying family at an a ordable price. Mary Ellis and her adult son, Ashton, became bene ciaries of this program in December 2024, receiving the keys to their new home in Wylie. Mary had originally been on the waitlist for a new build in McKinney’s Cotton Groves development, but when construction slowed, she was o ered the recycled home instead. “My dream was always to get a home so that if anything should happen to me, my son Ashton would still have a place to go,” Mary said, adding, “When I chose this house, I knew I was going to be giving up one or two things because a new build is a new build. But once I looked at everything and saw that it was well kept up, in a quiet neighborhood, with nice amenities including a new fence, I decided it was the home for me.” Shaefer sees the Recycle House program as crucial and plans to seek government grants to purchase and rehabilitate more homes like the one in Wylie “because a ordable housing in already in critically short supply.” A er operating in Collin County for 33 years, many homes are getting to that point where they’re ready to be recycled, said Shaefer. “If corporations buy and ip these homes into a higher-cost properties, working-class families lose opportunities to build generational wealth,” she added. “We need to preserve these homes for those who need them most.” Community partnerships, volunteer opportunities HFHCC is strengthening communities one home at a time, working closely with “Partner Families” throughout their journey, from quali cation and construction to sweat equity work. e process typically takes 12 to 18 months, but the relationship extends beyond move-in, ensuring continued support and community engagement. In Princeton, the nonpro t has built two of ve planned homes on land donated by the school district on Harrelson Court. During construction, high school students from the PISD Construction Trades program participated handson. “It was a great opportunity for our students to get the opportunity to work with and learn from the builders involved in the Habitat for Humanity project here in Princeton,” said Director Brett Hackman. At the November 2024 dedication ceremony in Princeton, Shaefer highlighted the students’ impact. “All the kids who had helped build the house were there at the home blessing,” she said. “ ese are 16- to 18-year-olds who will drive by these houses for the rest of their lives, knowing they were part of something lasting.” Shaefer said HFHCC has projects going on in Plano, Anna, Blue Ridge, Fairview and Lucas, tackling both home builds and critical repair projects. Funding remains a challenge, particularly as areas like Princeton lose access to rural housing grants due to population growth. “Princeton isn’t rural anymore,” Shaefer said. “We need new funding sources because each house in Princeton costs about $175,000 to build.” Despite nancial hurdles, Shaefer remains con dent in the power of community support. HFHCC welcomes donations, volunteers, and even vehicle contributions through its Cars for Homes program. It’s McKinney ReStore, which sells discounted home improvement materials, also plays a key role in funding operations. “We’ve got a very aggressive build schedule, so we are looking for groups and individuals to help in all sorts of ways,” Shaefer said. “Anybody who wants to be a part of the Habitat family —we can put them to work.” E Want to help? Register to volunteer, donate or pursue homeownership at habitatcollincounty.org
8 In & Around | Spring’s Prelude | March 2025 inaroundmag.com I&A TRAVEL A s winter fades and March rolls in, cities across the United States prepare to turn green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. What began as a religious feast day in Ireland has evolved into a global celebration of Irish heritage, complete with lively parades, traditional music, and enough shamrocks to ll an entire countryside. From coast to coast, communities pull out all the stops to make March 17 a day to remember. If you’re looking for the best St. Paddy’s Day experiences, these destinations o er some of the most vibrant celebrations in the country. Boston: The Heart of Irish America Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of the oldest in the nation, dates back to 1737. Every year, South Boston— commonly referred to as “Southie”—becomes the epicenter of the city’s Irish pride. e city’s deep Irish roots are on full display with its iconic parade in South Boston, featuring pipe bands, elaborate oats, and military units. e 2025 parade, scheduled for Sunday, March 16, will feature its classic 3.5-mile route lled with bagpipes, marching bands, elaborate oats, and plenty of revelry. e event also coincides with Evacuation Day, commemorating the British troops’ departure from Boston in 1776, adding a patriotic air to the festivities. Beyond the parade, Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend o ers a host of other events. e Dropkick Murphys, the city’s most famous Celtic punk band, are set to play at both the MGM Music Hall and the House of Blues. Sports fans can catch a Boston Celtics or Bruins game, while those looking for a more relaxing experience can take a scenic harbor cruise. With its rich Irish history and deeprooted traditions, Boston sets the gold standard for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the U.S. Visit boston-discoveryguide.com for more. Kansas City: A Family-Friendly Irish Affair For over 50 years, Kansas City has hosted one of the Midwest’s most spirited St. Patrick’s Day parades. What started as a small gathering outside a local bar has grown into a full-scale spectacle, >>> continues on page 10 Shamrocks & Shenanigans Discover the best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the U.S. By Carrie Dunlea
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10 In & Around | Spring’s Prelude | March 2025 I&A TRAVEL >>> continued from page 8 Shamrocks drawing thousands to the city’s Midtown area. On Monday, March 17, at 11 a.m., the parade will once again weave through the city, featuring elaborate oats, Irish dancers, and community groups all decked out in green. e Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is organized and sta ed by a group of volunteers for the nonpro t parade committee devoted to providing Kansas City with a family-oriented celebration of Irish heritage. Kansas City also o ers plenty of other attractions for visitors making a weekend of it. March is a busy month in the city, with Planet Comicon and the Big 12 Basketball Championships bringing additional energy to the downtown area. Whether you’re celebrating the holiday with a pint of Guinness or exploring the city’s vibrant arts scene, Kansas City delivers a festive and welcoming atmosphere. Savannah: A Southern St. Paddy’s Tradition Savannah, Georgia, may not be the rst city that comes to mind when thinking of St. Patrick’s Day, but its celebration ranks among the largest in the country. Since 1824, this historic coastal city has hosted a parade that now boasts more than 350 marching units and attracts visitors from around the world. e 2025 event kicks o at 10:15 a.m. and will wind its way through downtown, passing by Forsyth Park and the iconic Broughton Street. e parade will last about three hours and will feature military divisions, award-winning bands, dance troupes, oats, and the Budweiser Clydesdales. You can watch the parade from the sidewalks along the route, the historic squares, or from balconies at accommodations on the parade route. What sets Savannah apart is its unique mix of Southern charm and Irish revelry. e city’s fountains are famously dyed green, and the River Street festivities extend the party well beyond the parade. If you want a more lowkey celebration, check out the 20th annual Tybee Island Irish Heritage Celebration Parade, running from 3 to 5 p.m. March 15. e family-friendly parade is packed with music, marchers, and much more. It starts at Tybee City Hall and travels down Butler Avenue to Tybrisa Street. Wear your brightest green and get ready for the fun! Chicago: The City That Dyes a River Green No list of St. Patrick’s Day destinations would be complete without mentioning Chicago. Each year, the city dyes the Chicago River a brilliant shade of green, creating one of the most iconic visuals of the holiday. e tradition, which dates to 1962, is just the beginning of the city’s massive celebration. e St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of the largest in the country, takes place on Saturday, March 15, at 12:15 p.m., featuring an impressive lineup of oats, performers, and Irish cultural groups. e festivities continue into the night with pub crawls, live music, and traditional Irish dance performances. For those who can extend their stay, consider attending the South Side Irish Parade on Sunday, March 16, along Western Avenue. is secondary celebration o ers a more community-focused atmosphere, complementing the grandeur of the downtown parade. Between these St. Patrick’s Day events, your weekend will be packed with Irish-themed entertainment and cultural experiences. While you’re in Chicago, don’t miss the chance to check out the Architecture River Tour to view 40 iconic buildings, plan a Chicago River Dinner Cruise or Skyline Lake Tour, visit the Art Institute of Chicago and de nitely try some deep dish pizza. Whether you’re watching the river transformation from the Michigan Avenue bridge or enjoying a pint at an authentic Irish pub, Chicago offers a St. Patrick’s Day experience unlike any other. Dallas: Texas-Sized St. Paddy’s Fun Back in Dallas, the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration is one of the biggest in the Southwest. e Dallas St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival, set for Saturday, March 15, transforms Lower Greenville into a sea of green as thousands gather for a day of Irish-inspired revelry. e parade, featuring over 90 oats and marching bands, is a highlight, but the real party happens a erward with live music, food trucks, and plenty of festive drinks. For those looking to extend the fun, the annual Dallas St. Paddy’s Day Dash 5K provides a great way to kick o the morning. e energy continues well into the evening, with bars and restaurants o ering special events and live entertainment. Whether you’re Irish by heritage or just for the day, Dallas ensures an unforgettable St. Patrick’s celebration with a distinct Texas twist. Honorable Mentions Beyond these main hubs, several other cities put on incredible St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. New York City’s parade is touted as the “oldest and largest” in the world, starting in 1762 and attracting about two million spectators. Following close behind is Philadelphia’s parade, which originated in 1771 and now welcomes marchers and spectators to “one of the grandest parades in a city that loves parades.” In New Orleans, Mardi Gras meets St. Patrick’s Day parades with oats and beads at the Irish Channel Parade on March 15. From the historic streets of Boston to the vibrant energy of Dallas, St. Patrick’s Day is a time for celebration, community, and a little bit of luck. Whether you prefer grand parades, river-dyeing spectacles, or lively street festivals, there’s a destination for every kind of reveler. So, grab your green, raise a glass, and join in on the festivities—because on March 17, everyone is a little bit Irish! E
March 2025 | Spring’s Prelude | In & Around 11 inaroundmag.com Loretta & Charles Smith Pre-arrangements available | Pre-Needs Honored from other Funeral Homes | We Own & Operate Our Own Crematory A ordable • Credit Cards Accepted | cwsfuneralhome.com 2343 Lake Road (@ Hwy 78) • Lavon 972-843-4000 2925 5th St. • Sachse 972-414-5050 601 S. Tennessee St. • McKinney 972-562-7788 660 E. Hwy 380 • Princeton 972-736-2400 Family Owned & Operated GRANITE & TILE OUTLET II in the Village at Allen 190 E. Stacy Road, Suite #1116, Allen Texas 75002 (Just West of the Allen Event Center) 972.678.2001 www.granite2.com Call us and we’ll treat you to quality materials and workmanship at competitive prices. Walk-in Showers, Granite, Quartz & Quartzite Countertops, Hardwood Floors, Natural Stone Flooring, Porcelain Tile, Carpet, Bathroom Remodels, Installations, Quality Materials Since 1999 GRANITE & TILE OUTLET II Save some green on your home improvement projects! Hire us to get them done for you at Incredible Savings! We build our business one Satisfied Customer at a time. We use first quality materials at outlet prices. No high pressure salespeople. 3 Convenient Locations. Use inhouse installers. Fabrication shop for countertops custom cut & fit. Call Robert Hinton for your next project.
12 In & Around | Spring’s Prelude | March 2025 inaroundmag.com T here’s something magical about seeing a toy from your past—the rush of nostalgia, the instant transport back to childhood. At e Best Little Toy Museum in Texas, that feeling isn’t limited to a single moment; it lls every inch of the space, from towering action gure displays to vintage lunch boxes that spark memories of school days long gone. For many, a single box or a dusty attic corner holds their collectibles. For Stephen Gardner, a building (or two, or three) is required. Located on a residential property just outside Wylie, Gardner’s museum is home to more than 20,000 toys and collectibles. “( e museum) is probably 98% my personal collection,” said Gardner, adding that his two sons might argue their contributions deserve more credit. Leland, 14, and David, 11, have helped expand the museum’s superhero room from an early age, and neighbors have donated pieces of their own collections to ll in the decades of entertainment represented in the museum. ree rooms hold action gures, posters, lunch boxes and more from the 1920s to today. Gardner describes his collection as a history of pop culture, lled with memorabilia from TV shows, movies and well-known musicians. e collection started modestly— just a few “Star Wars” gures on a shelf in Gardner’s barracks 30 years ago. “I thought they were only going to make a handful … but then they made more, so I bought them, and they made more, and I bought them,” he said. Today, his “Star Wars” collection alone could ll the museum’s 1,600 square feet. Each item represents an interest that began with “Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope” in 1977. “It was the rst movie I remember watching in the theater,” Gardner said. For years, the collection was displayed in Gardner’s home. But about seven years ago, his stepfather shared an article about a man who ran a superhero museum in a two-story garage next to his house. Gardner had originally planned to build a home By Allison LaBrot I&A LOCAL Veteran’s toy collection inspires nostalgia A Museum of Memories
March 2025 | Spring’s Prelude | In & Around 13 inaroundmag.com theater to accommodate his growing collection, but the idea of sharing his passion with the public was far more appealing. “( e man) had over 10,000 people a year going through his property,” Gardner said. Inspired, he explored the man’s website and YouTube channel. He realized he needed to expand his inventory beyond just “Star Wars” gures, which would mean years of sourcing items and building a structure big enough to house them all. While still active in the Army, Gardner was also studying law as part of his plan to establish a solo legal practice following his retirement. However, the pandemic changed his plans. A er retiring in 2021, he began building the museum the following year. e Best Little Toy Museum in Texas opened its doors in June 2023. A journey through time Visitors are greeted by two large Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and one small Dolly Parton gure in the front lobby, which doubles as a game room. e admission fee includes access to a pool table and classic arcade games like PAC-MAN and Tron, as well as a scavenger hunt. Kids and adults receive di erent lists tailored to their era. If a visitor stumbles across an unfamiliar item, Gardner is happy to jog their memory. Successful scavenger hunters leave with a comic book or toy. Beyond the lobby, three rooms abound with memorabilia. Towering glass cases display a century’s worth of collectibles, from a Shirley Temple doll to items from ongoing movie and TV series. Every visitor is bound to nd a piece of their past tucked among the displays. Lucy Ricardo with her Vitameatavegamin bottle, a “Full House” doll set and detailed “ e Lord of the Rings” gures are just a few of the nostalgic nds lling the cases, corners, and even the ceiling. To the le , a life-sized Iron Man suit guards the entrance to a superhero-themed room packed with Marvel and DC Comics items in cases assembled by Gardner using garage shelving as a base. Figures are posed in action scenes—riding in vehicles, battling villains, or standing stoically in their signature suits. Gardner uses these gures to create stop-motion videos in his spare time. e nal room, a mix of arcade games and “Star Wars” memorabilia, has recently become available for private event rentals. A er hours of exploring the rooms, visitors may begin to hear voices—but no need for concern. Some of the toys have motion-activated voice boxes, o ering an unexpected (and amusing) surprise. Expanding the collection Gardner acquires museum pieces from big-box retailers, estate sales, antique malls, toy shows, and online marketplaces. He researches values carefully and waits for reasonable prices before adding to his collection. As the museum continues to grow, so do Gardner’s plans for the future. He hopes to open an additional event space in the superhero room by April, build a deck outside for food trucks, and add shipping containers to keep exhibts in chronological order. Another upcoming addition is a membership program for repeat visitors. e program, expected to launch within the next two months, will o er exclusive monthly events for toy enthusiasts, as well as access to vendors. Looking ahead, Gardner wants to expand the museum’s representation of the 1920s-1960s displays. “I feel that portion of the collection still has a lot of room for representation,” he said, adding that his ultimate goal is to ensure “anyone who comes in will see at least one item that they connect with.” Gardner aims to keep admission prices a ordable as the museum expands. Entry to e Best Little Toy Museum in Texas is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 4-12, and free for children under 4. e museum is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. ursday through Sunday and is located at 3509 Aztec Trail in Wylie. For more information, visit thebestlittletoymuseumintexasc.godaddysites.com. E
14 In & Around | Spring’s Prelude | March 2025 inaroundmag.com I&A HOME A s an essential element that nourishes and revitalizes, water plays a fundamental role in every beauty routine. From the droplets dancing on your scalp as they chase away lingering hints of slumber to creating the lather that cleans and rejuvenates your body, water is at the center of your daily life. Especially where you start your day: in the bathroom. If you’re planning a bathroom renovation, create a refreshing oasis by celebrating the joy of water and the soothing function it brings. Transform your simple bathroom into a sanctuary lled with features that make it easy to enjoy the many ways water soothes your senses. In the Shower e shower is an obvious source of plenty of water-fueled relaxation. Shower heads with a selection of spray options let you adjust the pressure to t your needs so you can opt for a quick cleanse or a more therapeutic experience with a calming rain effect. Other enhancements include a water-resistant bench and spacious shower shelves to hold a variety of products. Add in a touch of luxurious comfort by installing a heated towel rack to cap o the ideal shower experience. At the Bathroom Vanity When designing a practical space like the bathroom, it’s easy to overlook everyday features and focus instead on the bigger elements like the ooring or countertops. It’s these details that can make all the di erence, however, and upgrading your bathroom sink faucet can take the retreat to a new level of beauty and functionality. A subtly elegant selection such as the Lineare Collection from GROHE makes a sophisticated statement that instantly elevates the look and feel of a premium bathroom space. e sleek design is de- ned by slender cylindrical shapes complemented by slim pro les on the lever handles and spouts. Other appealing features include an increased spout height for enhanced comfort and a 90-degree swivel angle for better accessibility and easier cleaning. “As an interior designer, I believe the way we experience water has the power to elevate everyday routines into something truly special,” said CÈsar Giraldo, founder and principal designer of CÈsar Giraldo Design. “GROHE’s elegant ttings and xtures not only enhance the aesthetic of any space but also create a sanctuary where one can unwind and rejuvenate. Elevating your bathroom to a luxurious, spa-like retreat is about embracing the serene and revitalizing essence of water in its nest form.” Mix in Nature Borrowing inspiration from nature as you design your space allows you to introduce a variety of creative water features. You might select a soaking tub with a waterfall feature, a soothing standing fountain or a countertop fountain that provides tranquil water sounds and incorporates other natural elements like river rock. To further enhance your natureinspired oasis, incorporate lush greenery and plenty of natural light. In the Bathtub ere are few things quite like soaking your cares away in a deep tub, especially in the comfort of your own home. e wisdom of keeping an eye on the details extends to the tub, where you can make a leisurely soak even more enticing. Take the faucet you use to ll your tub as an example - modern and sleek yet warm and tactile, GROHE Essence faucets are versatile choices for creating harmonious bathrooms that feel luxurious and inviting. Freestanding styles make for a perfect complement to freestanding tubs while the collection’s deck-mounted styles include features like a hand shower for e ortless rinsing. Add Calming Scents Remember, a true personal sanctuary should soothe all the senses, so while you focus on more tactile and visual features, don’t overlook the power of smell. Enhancing your oasis with calming scents can help keep you grounded and relieve stress, and many appealing fragrances re ect the allure of the aquatics, like those that mimic the ocean or rainfall. Find more ways to transform your bathroom into an oasis retreat at grohe.us. E (FAMILY FEATURES) Creating a Bathroom Oasis 5 upgrades that evoke the joy of water
March 2025 | Spring’s Prelude | In & Around 15 inaroundmag.com
16 In & Around | Spring’s Prelude | March 2025 inaroundmag.com Irish Guinness Stew with Lamb | Makes 6 servings This St. Patrick’s Day, celebrants can bring a touch of Irish cuisine to their celebrations by preparing the following recipe for “Irish Guinness Stew with Lamb” courtesy of Lines+Angles. 8 cups lamb or beef stock; divided 1 cup pearl barley 3 lb. lamb shoulder, cubed Salt, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 3 tablespoons oil ½ cup unbleached all-purpose flour 4 stalks of celery, washed, trimmed and chopped 2 large yellow onions, peeled and chopped 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped 12 fluid ounces Guinness stout 1 bunch fresh parsley 1 bunch fresh thyme 1 bunch fresh rosemary 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 teaspoons cornstarch 4 teaspoons water 1. In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, bring 3 cups of stock to a boil; add barley. Reduce heat to low and gently simmer for 20 minutes. Set aside. 2. Meanwhile, pat the meat dry with paper towels. Season the meat with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven. Brown the meat on all sides over medium-high heat. Using a slotted spoon, remove the meat from the pot. Sprinkle flour over the meat, shaking off any excess; set aside. 3. Add the celery, onions, garlic and carrots to the pot and sauté until onions are soft and translucent. Add Guinness and deglaze the pot, scraping up all the caramelized bits on the bottom and sides of the pan. 4. Chop the leaves of the parsley, reserving the stems. Tie the parsley stems and several sprigs of thyme and rosemary into a bundle; drop the bundle into the pot. Chop the remaining thyme and rosemary; set chopped herbs aside. 5. Return the meat to the pot. Add the potatoes, barley and enough stock to cover the meat and vegetables. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to very low and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, or until meat is fork tender. Stir occasionally, adding remaining stock as necessary. 6. Check seasoning; adjust to taste. Stir in chopped parsley, thyme and rosemary. Mix cornstarch in water and stir. Add to stew, stirring to incorporate. Cook over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes or until stew thickens. Ladle into bowls. Serve with crusty bread and of course more Guinness if desired. Savor Hearty Irish Fare I&A FOOD Shortbread Dips | Makes one dozen Ireland’s rich pasture and lush land has made it well known for its butter, which has been a popular export of the southwestern coast since the late 1700s. Shortbread biscuits are not only made with butter but are commonly eaten in Ireland and in neighboring Scotland, where this recipe originated. Try this recipe for “Shortbread Dips” from “The Hebridean Baker” (Sourcebooks) by Coinneach MacLeod. 10 ½ ounces soft butter 4 ½ ounces golden caster sugar 10 ½ ounces plain flour [all-purpose] 1 ¾ ounces corn flour [cornstarch] ½ teaspoon fine sea salt 5 ounces dark chocolate 5 ounces white chocolate 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios 2 tablespoons freeze-dried raspberries Preheat the oven to 340 F. Grease an 8-inch square baking tin and line the base and sides with baking parchment. Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl until pale and fluffy. Add in both the flours plus the sea salt and stir until it begins to come together, though take care not to overwork the dough. Bring the dough together with your hands and press the mixture into the prepared tin. Flatten the surface of the shortbread with the back of a spoon and use a fork to prick marks along the length of the fingers. Bake for 45 minutes until pale golden. Remove from the oven and, with a knife, mark lines where you are going to cut the shortbread. Leave to cool in the tin. Melt the dark and white chocolate separately in heatproof bowls set over a pan of gently simmering water. Take each of your shortbread fingers and use a teaspoon to coat one-third with the chocolate. Sprinkle pistachios or freeze-dried raspberries over the chocolate end and allow to set. Serve with a hot cuppa, or they will keep in an airtight container for up to four days.
March 2025 | Spring’s Prelude | In & Around 17 inaroundmag.com Zesty Braised Beef with New Potatoes | Serves 8 This recipe is a worthy alternative to corned beef. It’s warm, filling and flavorful, and can be just the thing to eat on a chilly March day. What’s more, this rich beef can pair well with a dark stout like Guinness. Enjoy this recipe, courtesy of “The Healthy Slow Cooker” (Robert Rose) by Judith Finlayson. 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 2 ounces chunk pancetta, preferably hot pancetta, diced 2 pounds trimmed stewing beef, cut into 1-inch cubes and patted dry 2 onions, finely chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon dried thyme ½ teaspoon sea salt ½ teaspoon cracked black peppercorns ½ cup dry white wine 2 cups chicken stock 2 pounds small new potatoes, scrubbed and thinly sliced (about 30 tiny ones) ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, dissolved in 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice ¼ cup finely chopped parsley leaves. 1. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat. Add pancetta and cook, stirring, until nicely browned, about 3 minutes. Transfer to slow cooker stoneware (31⁄2 to 5 quart). 2. Add beef to skillet, in batches, and cook, stirring until browned, about 4 minutes per batch. Transfer to stoneware as completed. 3. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining tablespoon of oil to pan. Add onions and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, salt and peppercorns and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add wine, bring to a boil and boil, stirring and scraping up brown bits from bottom of pan for 2 minutes. Add stock and potatoes and bring to a boil. Simmer for 2 minutes. 4. Transfer to stoneware. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until potatoes are tender. Stir in cayenne solution. Cover and cook on high for 10 minutes. Transfer to a server dish and garnish with parsley. Serve with a big platter of roasted carrots. Irish Soda Bread | 1 medium loaf St. Patrick’s Day provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate Irish culture. Such celebrations are not truly complete without some traditional Irish food, such as the following recipe for “Irish Soda Bread” courtesy of Linda Collister’s “Quick Breads” (Ryland, Peters & Small). 3½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour 1¼ teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon sea salt 12⁄ 3 cups buttermilk (roughly) Nonstick baking sheet, lightly dusted with flour Preheat the oven to 425 F. Sift the flour, baking soda and salt into a large bowl and make a well in the center. Pour the buttermilk into the well and mix it into the dry ingredients with a round-bladed knife or your hands to make a soft, slightly sticky, rough-looking dough. Turn out the dough on a lightly floured work surface and shape it into a ball. Set the dough onto the baking sheet and gently flatten it so it is about 1½ inches high. With a table knife, score the dough with a cross. Dust with a little flour then bake for about 35 minutes until a good golden brown. To test if the loaf is cooked, tap underneath with your knuckles. If it sounds hollow, it is ready. If it gives a dull thud, bake it for a few minutes longer and test it again. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Wrap well to store or freeze for up to 1 month.
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