While you may or may not want to “wear green” on St. Patrick’s Day, you can still bring the best of luck to you and yours with any kind of celebration to welcome and open the door to spring, which is part of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities. It’s so nice to go from the muted and muted colors of winter to the vibrant and alluring hues of green and spring.

One of the staples of St. Patrick’s Day dinner is Irish soda bread. There are so many different recipes available on the net that you can choose to your heart’s delight. This bread is so named because “baking soda” is the leavening agent and the “X” cut across the top of the bread is a surefire way to ward off evil spirits that may be lurking. Watching the St. Patrick’s Day parade from New York City is a relaxing way for family and friends to get into “green” mode. Drink cold soda or ice cream, or if you prefer a hot beverage, like green tea with mint, Irish coffee for the grown-ups, or even minty hot chocolate with whipped cream and some crushed “spearmint” candies. it just adds up to the day. The “cockles of your heart” will be warmed up and ready for thoughts of corned beef and cabbage, and all the side dishes.

The first Saint Patrick’s Day was celebrated in 1737. If you like authenticity, going to “Dublin” is easier than you think. You don’t have to cross an ocean, just cross the country. There’s Dublin, CA., Dublin, OH., Dublin, NH, Dublin, GA., And even Dublin, VA.

Hallmark claims that it sells more than 12 million St. Patrick’s Day cards and greetings that are sent out each year. Opening an envelope with a wish, such as “May your neighbors respect you, may problems neglect you, may the angels protect you and heaven accept you” makes it a great day.

I grew up watching the Chicago River turn green every St. Patrick’s Day; well, a nicer shade of green than the norm for that river. Using tons of plant dye, the Chicago River is turned into a river that flows “green” for a few days, which is a truly beautiful sight from the windows of some of the tall buildings in the Chicago Loop. It makes you want to turn to the person next to you and offer: “May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future.” Something nice !!!

Kissing the Blarney Stone is a legend in Cork, Ireland. A good way to recreate this tradition is to kiss the cook who makes homemade blarney stones for dessert. Using your favorite cupcake recipe, just follow the directions and bake. Chill the cupcakes then frost with any snow white frosting and cover the entire top with green tinted coconut. Just add 1 tablespoon. water to green food coloring until green is the shade that suits you best. Put the coconut in a jar, add the colored water, put an airtight lid on top, and start shaking that jar with some really hot Irish jigs. When the coconut is evenly dyed, pat dry on paper towels then add to the top of your own Blarney stones.

Shamrocks and gold coins cut out of brightly colored paper are great decorating tips for tables. You can even put your guests’ initials at the bottom of the coins, and before setting the table with treats, give everyone a minute to try and collect as many of their initials as possible. Then, they can buy the desserts of their choice, which are simply sitting at a side table waiting to be picked up for the correct price.

Corned beef and cabbage is a mainstay, but with a little “green” imagination, side dishes can be made to carry out the theme of the day. At the end of any meal, pass a green bowler hat that you can make out of construction paper and fill it with good wishes and blessings that are sure to please. Your family and friends will enjoy opening your special notes with sayings like, “May God bring good health to the enemies of your enemies” or “May you live to be one hundred with one more year to repent.” So toast Saint Patrick’s Day and Slainte ‘for you (pronounced Slan-cha and means “Cheers”).

Wishing everyone the opportunity to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in an inexpensive and fun way. Remember: if you ever wonder what God thinks of money, look at who he gives it to. “

Enjoy.

© March 2010

Arleen M. Kaptur

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