Whether or not you have been faced irish stew bord bia a drastic financial crisis (e.g., job loss, foreclosure), we are all realizing the need to make adjustments in our budgets. While some areas of our budgets are static (e.g., mortgage/rent, car loans, tuition), others are fluid (e.g., entertainment, grocery), meaning we can control monthly spending. This series will focus on trimming your monthly food budget.If you use a slow cooker irish stew to cook a single small dish, the weight will automatically be taken into consideration when determining the duration. On the other hand, if you increase the weight and if you want the food to be cooked in the same duration, it is obvious that the slow cooker irish stew in oven will cook a lot faster.irish stew (Ireland): 2 lbs. lamb, cut in 1" cubes; 1 lb. potatoes; 1 lb. onion; 1 lb. celery; 1 lb. carrots; 2 bay leaves; 1/2 tsp. oregano; 1/2 tsp. thyme; 1/2 tsp. rosemary. Parboil lamb for 15 minutes. Drain and dry. Cut vegetables into desired sizes and add to the pot with the seasonings. Add enough water to almost cover. Simmer for 1 1/2 hours. Serve.After so much excitement, let each family form its own group. Allow five or ten minutes for each family to plan a yarn about fishing or hunting trip or some adventure. At the end of the allotted time let the guests reassemble in one big group. When the competition starts, one member of the Jones family begins his yarn. The next member of the family may add to it, and so on, until the family has all helped or the allotted five minutes is up, whichever comes first. This is a thrilling experience for the younger members of the family.Shamrock mugs. I'm a mug person and was really drawn to the fun mugs that I found at Honk's, Dollar Tree, and the Salvation Army. Shamrock and Leprechaun themed mugs cost just $1, and can be paired with a irish pot serving of Irish Creme coffee found at your local grocery store. irish pot coffee servings run about $1 as well.Mix raisins, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Fill center of apples with this mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cinnamon and dot with butter. Place in slow cooker; pour 1/2 cup warm water around apples. Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, until apples are tender.Family meals are special. The opportunity to sit together and discuss the day is priceless. Help train your baby to be a part of this tradition by including him as much as possible. It will emphasize and build up the importance of that once-a-day ritual.