May You Always Have…
enough luck to make you smile,
enough trials to keep you strong,
enough of all life’s treasures
to keep you truly happy.
– Traditional Irish verse
On March 17, many of us will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and commemorates St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. This day originated in Ireland but has strong roots in North America.
Common practices include wearing green clothing, drinking green beer and/or eating green food, decorating with shamrocks and perhaps pinching someone who forgot to wear green.
Read Also
Stock dogs show off herding skills at Ag in Motion
Stock dogs draw a crowd at Ag in Motion. Border collies and other herding breeds are well known for the work they do on the farm.
To commemorate the season, I suggest learning about Irish history by enjoying a movie such as Far and Away.
Seeing the colour green also reminds us of spring, new beginnings and cleaning. I have been craving open windows, a true sign that spring is on its way. We need a refreshing breeze to rid us of stale winter air.
After the spring cleaning is done, welcome the upcoming season by buying green accessories such as pillows, a throw for the sofa, a vase with fresh flowers or new paint.
Studies have shown that green affects our thoughts. It helps us feel more rested, cheerful and concerned about our well-being.
Do not forget an Irish meal to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
As an appetizer, try a yogurt fruit dip in creamy vanilla (available in local grocery stores), served with crisp green grapes. It’s delightful and convenient.
Pepper and potato soup
This soup was served at a local restaurant near where I live.
It was so good that I asked for the recipe.
5 c. water 1. 25 L
4 tbsp. chicken bouillon 60 mL
1/4 c. rice 60 mL
2 shredded potatoes
2 shredded carrots
1 chopped celery
2 medium onions
1 chopped green pepper
1/2 c. flour 125 mL
2 tsp. salt 10 mL
1/2 tsp. pepper 2 mL
1/4 tsp. paprika 1 mL
1 c. water 250 mL
5 c. milk 1.25 mL
Mix the first eight ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a gentle boil, cover and let simmer for approximately 20 minutes.
Mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika and water together until smooth, then stir into the simmering mixture. Add milk and heat. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
Makes approximately 12 cups (3 L). Sprinkle with bacon bits before serving if desired.
Cheese bread
This bread is great with soup .
Mix:
1 c. water 250 mL
3/4 tsp. salt 3 mL
3 tbsp. oil 45 mL
Add to the liquid:
2 1/2 c. flour 625 mL
1 tbsp. yeast 15 mL
1 tsp. sugar 5 mL
Mix and let rise for one hour.
Grease two cookie sheets or pizza pans, divide the dough in half and spread the dough evenly into a thin circle on the pans.
Brush 1/4 cup of melted butter over the dough. Sprinkle oregano over the butter and top with shredded Tex-Mex cheese. Bake at 400 F for 15 minutes. Cool and slice. Dip in pasta sauce or a dill or ranch vegetable dip.
Pistachio dessert
My family loves shamrock cutout cookies or cupcakes with creamy green icing, but we will enjoy this light and elegant dessert this year.
1 c. flour 250 mL
1/2 c. chopped pecans 125 mL
1/2 c. softened butter or hard margarine 125 mL
Filling
8 oz. softened cream cheese 250 g
1 c. icing sugar 250 mL
1 box instant pistachio pudding (6 serving size)
2 c. milk 500 mL
Topping
1 c. whipping cream 250 mL
1/4 c. chopped pecans 60 mL
Crust: Combine flour and pecans. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Press firmly in ungreased nine by 13 (22 x 33 cm) pan. Bake in 350 F oven for about 15 minutes until golden. Cool.
Filling: Beat cream cheese in a small bowl until smooth, add icing sugar. Mix well and gently spread over the cooled crust.
Beat pudding powder and milk in a small bowl until slightly thickened and spread over cream cheese layer. Chill.
Topping: Beat whipping cream until soft peaks form. Spread evenly over pudding mixture. Sprinkle with pecans.
Source: Company’s Coming Most Loved Summertime Desserts.
Living green
Seeing enough green will get us thinking green. An excellent resource is Green For Life by Gill Deacon, a simple how-to-book about making your world a healthier place. It sits on the shelf with my favourite cookbooks,ready for use at anytime. Gill suggests ways to improve our home and our global environment with her top 10 changes.
- Buy local food when available.
- Drive your vehicle less.
- Check your home for air leaks and stop drafts with caulking, weather stripping and insulation.
- Use less hot water. Time your showers and install a flow adapter switch or turn off the water while lathering or shaving.
- Use natural cleaning products like white vinegar and borax.
- Wash laundry in cold water with environmentally friendly detergent. Invest in efficient appliances.
- Give up bottled water. Get a stainless steel and reusable water bottle.
- Invest in a reusable grocery bag.
- Turn off the computer when not using it. Turn out lights when you leave a room.
- Pack lunches in reusable containers.
Jodie Mirosovsky is a home economist from Rosetown, Sask., and a member of Team Resources. Contact: team@producer.com.
