Irish Stew 2 pounds shoulder lamb chops, about 1-inch thick Salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 cup Guinness beer or any dark beer 1 pound new potatoes 1 pound baby carrots, peeled 1 pint pearl onions, peeled 4 cups lamb stock 2 tablespoons dark roux 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves Season the lamb chops with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven, over medium heat, add the oil. When the oil is hot, but not smoking add the chops. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Remove the chops from the pan and set aside. Add the beer and continue to cook for 1 minute, scraping any brown particles off the bottom of the pan. Add the lamb back to the pan. In a mixing bowl, toss the vegetables with salt and pepper. Add the vegetables to the pan. Cover with the stock. Bring the liquid to a boil, cover and reduce the heat to medium low. Simmer for about 2 hours or until the lamb falls off the bone. Stir in the roux and continue to cook for 10 minutes. Stir in the parsley and spoon into serving bowls. Yield: 4 servings Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes