The irish are known for their beer, not food

To catch up, Saturday's Tortilla Taco Soup was outa-this-world and I would make it weekly if I had the audience. The sour cream, cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips and avocado slices on top are key. But even without, so freakin good.

I've never actually eaten corned beef. I don't taste things that smell that nasty. But my brother asked for it...in a nonchalant "if you don't want to make it, thats okay" sorta way and hell, its not like I have a job and since someone else is buying the groceries this month - corned beef indeed.

I threw a 2 lb'er in the crockpot with some beef stock, the included seasoning packet and a few half-hearted carrot and potato chunks. We left to run errands and 4 hours later, came home to uncooked potatoes. So I threw it all in a big covered dish and in the over at 375 for....1/5 hours?

I found a recipe for Amazingly Easy Irish Soda Bread
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Amazingly-Easy-Irish-Soda-Bread/Detail.aspx
I've never made bread, but how could Amazingly Easy be hard? Only if the recipe undercuts the necessary cooking time by 30 minutes. It was easy but next time I would make 3-4 little loaves so it doesn't take nearly 2 hours to bake.

For my sister-in-law, the non-corned beef loving baby, and myself I made vegetarian stuffed cabbage. I started with olive oil and minced garlic, a medium chopped onion...sauteed...a can of chick peas, two tomatoes, salt, pepper, parsley and cumin. The results were mild, if thats a nice way of saying bland, but the redemption is knowing it doesn't get healthier.

I could not have tried less in the corned beef cooking but it came out perfectly. Go figure.

Still no word on the Plus One's job. Employers love love love the power they wield when deciding to call you - or not.

I found a good job post for myself - did I say that before? - and applied but I have no doubt my excitement for new ventures every 6 months will come back to bite me in the behind.