The Luck of the Irish

It’s hard to believe that it’s already the middle of March. When did this happen? I feel like it was just New Years and now it’s St. Patrick’s Day tomorrow! Which around here means party time 🙂

Its always a great chance to head out and celebrate with friends. On years when its bitter cold outside, it’s a chance to dig ourselves out of hibernation and catch up with friends. On years where it’s unseasonably warm like it is right now, it’s an excuse to get out and enjoy the fresh air. Either way it’s a win-win. I’m not Irish, but I can still appreciate a good time. (side note – I’m Scottish, English and German, but after 300+ years of ancestors in North America, who’s counting?)

Whiskey loves St. Paddy’s too because it means his favourite leprechaun toy comes out for a visit. He just loves to pull out tuffs of that red beard…and I just love to pick the little hairs off my couch/bed/pants for the next week. Thanks buddy.

What I do love about this holiday is all the fun festive foods. Anything green, minty or Irish fits the bill.

Tomorrow morning I have a class at the gym, but as soon as I get back I plan to whip up a Mint Chocolate Green Monster Smoothie for breakfast. I was just saying to Garrett the other day that I miss my morning smoothies, but now that the warm weather seems to be sticking around for a bit I’m going to have to dig out the blender and start whipping these up again.

For a pre-pub dinner, I love this Shamrock Spinach Pizza using a frozen pizza and some cut out spinach leaves. Easy to make and fun to eat.

For a more gourmet dinner, I’d make Gordon Ramsey’s Shepherd’s Pie. I don’t normally like lamb, but this is hands down one of the best recipes I’ve ever made. It tastes amazing and the leftovers only get better the next day…if there are any!

For a traditional treat, mix up a loaf of Irish Soda Bread. Its an easy to make dense bread that tastes amazing warm with a little butter.