A view of Dingle, Ireland, that warms the cockles of my heart in remembrance.
Top of the Morning to Ye
St. Patrick’s Day is one of my favorite holidays. It requires no gifts, expensive fireworks or costumes, and no long speeches or lavish meals. You can celebrate anywhere with anybody, because everybody’s “a little bit Irish” on St. Patrick’s Day.
Truth be known, St. Patrick wasn’t even Irish. Maewyn Succat (his birth name) was born in the British Isles to Roman parents. So I guess that makes him Italian. All the more reason to observe the day on The Hill, if you chose.
Eatin’ of the Green
But if you just want to add a little green to your weekend menu—something besides lime jello, dyed cupcakes, or green beer—one of these sure-to-please recipes will do the trick.
Basil Vinaigrette
Andes Chocolate Mint Brownies
These brownies taste a lot like Girl Scout Thin Mints and include Ghirardelli chocolate!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Duck Fat Roasted Brussels Sprouts work with an oil coating, as well as duck fat.
Irish Avocado Dip
Irish Avocado Dip, aka Guacamole, is the perfect green dish for the weekend.
Broccoli Salad
Broccoli Salad, a colorful harbinger of spring.
Irish Shepherd’s Pie
Not much green in this Irish Shepherd’s Pie, but Irish nonetheless.
Find a Parade
In keeping with the spirit of the day, take in one of the local parades this weekend: Downtown or Dogtown. If you’re hale and hearty, head down I-44 to Rolla for the “111th Best Ever St. Pat’s Parade” at MS&T. The celebration starts about the first of each year, and includes a lot of merry-making traditions, that conclude with a unique weekend.
“Be calm and defend your dissertation.” The patron saint of engineers didn’t say that, but he could’ve. (Shown here is the St. Patrick statue on the campus of MS&T in Rolla.)
