St Patrick's day is one of those holidays that has become for most Americans, to drink way too much alcohol and pretend that they're Irish by wearing lots of green. Its supposed to be a celebration of Irish American culture. Unfortunately, most partyers don't even know the history of the holiday. Out of respect for the Irish I'd like to set the record a bit straighter. Here's a mini history lesson.
Saint Patrick, who lived during the fifth century, is the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16. He later escaped, but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people by driving the away the snakes. Or to put it more bluntly, he was the person who got the credit for stomping the Pagan religion out of Ireland (which is another reason why I usually don't celebrate this holiday). In the centuries following Patrick's death (believed to have been on March 17, 461), the mythology surrounding his life became ever more ingrained in the Irish culture: Perhaps the most well known legend is that he explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock.
March 17th is celebrates the day that died St Patrick back in the 5th century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years. On St. Patrick's Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast--on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage (not corned beef which is a collaboration that originated in New York between Jewish & Irish immigrants).
I'm all about having a good time, and love some good boot stomping Irish music, but St Patrick's Day is one day of the year you can't pay me to be in a bar. Instead of a nasty light beer dyed green, we will be enjoying some nice stouts and lagers in the comfort of our home. If you do enjoy a nice pint of stout, please do not drink it cold out of the fridge. Drink it like they do in Ireland, sip it at room temperature, all the wonderful coffee and chocolate flavors will develop and it tastes so much richer. We prefer to enjoy comfort food on chilly March evenings. Since its rainy and cooling down a bit from last week's heat wave I made up a nice batch of Guiness beef stew for the weekend (complete with local grass fed beef & organic veggies of course).
One thing I particularly admire about most Irish cuisine is that its main influence is what is locally available and seasonal. Its also usually made from simple and inexpensive ingredients.
If you want to celebrate by incorporate more green in to your diet (which is always a good thing to do) here are a couple of tasty recipes (not necessarily Irish) that are good anytime of year :
- Pea & mint Bruschetta, a yummy appetizer & a great way to enjoy the flavors of spring
-Colcannon Quesadillas - a yummy vegan bar food twist on the traditional Irish dish
- Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with White Beans & Kale
-Some great Greens recipes from fitsugar.com
-and don't forget your morning green smoothie!
Here's an Irish Toast to all of you:
"May you always have walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire."
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