St. Patrick’s Day to some may appear to be just another holiday. Mar. 17, however, is a day of great tradition and festivities. The holiday is celebrated in a variety of forms in multiple countries, though in the United States it had become more of a day of celebrating Irish culture and the color green rather than a traditional religious holiday. One of the most incredible St. Patrick’s Day tradition takes place in on the chicago river. The river is completely transformed, dyed a vivid shade of green. Irish pubs and restaurants are great places to enjoy Irish cuisine on St. Patrick’s Day, but here is a recipe that will allow you to celebrate St. Patty’s day in the comfort of your own home.

Simple Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (regular or 98% fat free)

1 tablespoon ketchup

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 cup frozen peas and carrots

1 cup milk

2 tablespoons butter

1 1/3 cups instant mashed potato flakes or buds

Directions:

1. Cook beef and onion in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until well browned, stirring to break up meat. Pour off fat.
2. Stir soup, ketchup, black pepper, peas and carrots into skillet. Spoon beef mixture in 9-inch pie plate.
3. Heat milk and butter in 2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat to a boil. Remove from heat, slowly stir in potatoes. Spoon potatoes over beef mixture.
4.  Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes or until potatoes are lightly browned