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This Saturday, March 17^th we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and a love for everything Irish.  Whether you look forward to guzzling green beer or long for sweet Irish soda bread, there is a lot to love about everything Irish you can use to fill your plate.  It doesn’t matter where you were born or which country your ancestors came from, on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone gets to be Irish.

More than Green Beer and Leprechauns

The origins of St. Patrick’s Day date back more than 1000 years.  The people of Ireland have held feasts and festivals in honor of their patron saint since the 9^th and 10^th century.  St. Patrick was the most influential force in bringing Christianity to Ireland and the association of the Shamrock with both Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day tie back to him.  It is said that he used the shamrock which was native to the Island of Ireland as a way to explain the Christian trinity to the pagan Irish.  Although the holiday itself has religious roots, today it is generally a secular celebration of all things Irish including the food and culture of the Emerald Isle.

Grab something green, fill your plate, and get ready to get your Irish on Arizona!

Things to Do

• A Celebration of Celtic Culture at the Musical Instrument Museum, Thursday March 15, 12-8:30 PM
• Kiss Me I’m Irish Run in Glendale, March 17 beginning at 7:17 AM
• St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Phoenix, Saturday March 17 at 10 AM
• St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival in Tucson, Saturday March 18, 10 AM
• ST. PATRICKS DAY RUN, 4 Mile Run/Walk, Old Town Scottsdale, Saturday March 17, 2012 – 5:00PM
• Irish Republic St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Chandler, Saturday March 17, 12 PM – 2 AM
• West Addison St. Patrick’s Day Block Party in Scottsdale, Saturday March 17, 11 AM – 2 AM
• ShamRocked in Tempe, Saturday March 17, 12 PM – 2 AM
• St. Patrick’s Day Party & Music Festival in Scottsdale, Saturday March 17, beginning at 6 AM

What to Eat

Breakfast or Brunch

• Irish-American Corned Beef Hash
• Boxty Pancakes
• Black and White Pudding
• Frittata with Bacon and Potatoes
• Irish Brown Bread
• Irish Hot Chocolate

 Traditional Take

• Corned Beef and Cabbage
• Irish Stew
• Irish Soda Bread
• Irish Champ or Colcannon

Lighter Fare

• Corned beef and cabbage rolls
• Beer Battered Broccoli
• Grilled Tomatoes
• Toasted Oat and Apple Crumble

Black and Tan

• Black and Tan Pork with Spicy Ale Slaw
• Black and Tan Irish Mac n Cheddar
• Black and Tan Leg of Lamb
• Black and Tan Sweet Beer Dessert

Drinks and Dessert

• Irish Coffee
• Black and Tan
• Chocolate Guiness Cupcakes
• Chocolate Stout and Irish Cream Cupcakes
• Boozy Irish Whisky Cake
• Irish Cream Pie

Related articles

• Get Your Garden Growing (fillyourplate.org)
• Irish Goods in Honor of St. Patrick’s Day (fox4kc.com)
• 7 Arizona Grown Foods to Eat Every Day (fillyourplate.org)