Judy Dodd, MS, RD, LDN Giant Eagle^® Corporate Nutritionist

Many people lean toward the green during March and St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you want to serve traditional Irish meals or add a little “green” to your plate, there are a variety of healthy dishes to prepare. Although green beer may be the first thought, let’s focus on some other options for bringing the luck of the Irish to your meals!

• Don’t bypass the luxury of enjoying Irish oatmeal. Using it for a fruit crisp, serving it for breakfast or making it into an oat granola are some ways to enjoy this great whole grain.

Indulge yourself in classic Irish staples.

• Corned beef and cabbage is a popular choice that lends itself to slow-cooker meal planning. This is an ideal meal for the family on the go. Add some carrots, potatoes and onions to the corned beef brisket and let it simmer. You may want to save the wedges of cabbage until the last 30 minutes of cooking to save some crunch! And the leftovers make great corned beef sandwiches or hash!
• Colcannon is a traditional dish that may be new to you. This dish combines two staples of Irish cooking: potatoes and cabbage, mashed with some sautéed green onions for added flavor.
• Irish stew is another easy meal to make in a slow-cooker or the oven. Traditionally it starts with lamb for the protein. Adding some Irish stout to the liquid gives it additional flavor with an Irish touch.

Try completing these traditional meals with tasty side dishes.

• Irish soda bread is hearty bread that deserves to be more than a March treat. Baking soda is used in place of yeast giving this bread a distinct flavor and texture. Add currants or raisins for a great breakfast toast.
• Cheese from Ireland is a simple way to add an Irish theme to a meal or snack. Served with crackers, sliced apples, pears, or wedges of soda bread you have a hearty snack that can double for a mini meal.

Don’t forget about dessert. St. Patrick’s Day allows you to create fun treats for your family and friends.

• Green Velvet Cupcakes are velvety and scrumptious. Have fun decorating the tops with shamrocks made out of gumdrops and green licorice strings, or just sprinkle with green decorating sugar.
• Leprechaun Pie is a delightful green pie filled with white chocolate mousse. Flavored with mint or vanilla, it’s absolutely delicious for St. Patrick’s Day.
• Shamrock Cookies are always a fun little treat for St. Patrick’s Day. Get a gorgeous green color from instant pistachio pudding mix to bake up these delicious cookies.

There are many different ways to include the Irish touch to celebrate the holiday. Instead of green beer, try quenching your thirst with Lime punch. This bright green punch, flavored with lime, pineapple, orange and ginger ale, makes a refreshingly festive drink for your St. Paddy's Day party.

Any of the foods that seem to magically appear around St. Patrick’s Day fit into any month. But like any celebration, it’s a good excuse to involve the family in going beyond shamrocks and the wearing of the green to trying some new foods or learning about traditions!

Have a question for Judy about this article or need recipes for healthy living?
Send her an e-mail at nutrition@GiantEagle.com.

March 2010