This week's meal includes Guinness Beef Stew, Irish Soda Bread, and Irish-Coffee Blondies in honor of my Irish friends. I am not Irish, but I make this meal every year around St. Patrick's Day, and I really look forward to it.

The Guinness Beef Stew is a hearty beef stew with chuck roast, carrots, and potatoes. I use my homemade chicken broth and Guinness, which makes a luxurious sauce. Brown sugar helps to balance the bitterness of the Guinness. The stew is cooked in the oven without a lid, creating a concentrated sauce and allowing the meat to brown slightly. It's the most comforting and satisfying dish on a chilly March day.

The Irish Soda Bread is a quick bread that has a flavor and texture almost like a giant biscuit. There are TONS of opinions on what is traditional Irish Soda Bread. I didn't worry about any of them. I have made a few, and this one is my favorite. I serve it with Kerrygold Irish butter. To me, it's the perfect bite with the Guinness Beef Stew.

The Irish-Coffee Blondies are so delicious. They have ground coffee in the blondies and Irish whiskey in the glaze. They are chewy and yummy!