Saint Patrick’s Day and Menu

Hello friends, Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! Whether you are Irish or not it’s hard to pass up a fun day to celebrate. Our last name easily shows that my hubby’s family is of Irish descent (they also have Polish ancestry). Today we celebrate Irish culture and heritage. For many in the US, Saint Patrick’s Day brings to mind, shamrocks, traditional foods, green beer, and wearing the color green. But do you know the reason we celebrate?

Saint Patrick is recognized as a saint primarily for his role in spreading Christianity in Ireland during the 5th century. At the time, Ireland was mostly pagan. St. Patrick was never officially canonized as a saint. However, he is still revered and referred to as a Saint for bringing Christianity to Ireland.

Saint Patrick is believed to have originally used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. He demonstrated how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all one. He is the national Patron Saint and Apostle of Ireland.

As Irish immigrants arrived in America and settled throughout  the United States, they developed their own ways to celebrate. With traditional Irish meals, *wearing green, festive parades and fun events.

*The shamrock is considered a sign of good luck. The green color of the shamrock contributed to wearing green. Ireland’s reputation as the “Emerald Isle” also played a role in this colorful tradition.

Consider a menu featuring traditional Irish dishes.

• Main: Corned Beef and Cabbage. A classic Saint Patrick’s Day staple, featuring corned beef brisket, potatoes, and cabbage.  Serve it with Irish Soda Bread, a quick bread made with buttermilk. RECIPE
• Dessert: Baileys Chocolate Cream Pie, a deliciously decadent dessert made with Baileys Irish Cream. Recipe or RECIPE
• Drink: Guinness, a classic Irish stout, or Irish Cider, a refreshing option to beer.

May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light. May good luck pursue you each morning and night. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!