The Luck o' the Irish to You!

SLAINTE!

It's all corned beef, cabbage and four leaf clovers on this green-centric holiday, but don't get stuck in a rut when it comes to making your Irish feast; look to the markets to inspire your menu.  Wednesday at Adams Avenue Farmer's market pick up some savoy cabbage (pictured - tight and compact with crinkly leaves) from Suzie's Farm to make a traditional Irish side of colcannon, a fancy word for mashed potatoes mixed with thinly sliced cabbage.  Or make a puree of roasted turnips from Maciel & Family, earthy and sweet, these could replace mashed potatoes altogether.

On Thursday at North Park Farmer's Market pick up all the ingredients you'll need for a healthy green snack of kale chips.  Simply tear the leaves from a bunch of kale from JR Organics into large pieces and toss with a little olive oil from Thyme of Essence and a pinch of ground up sea salt in your favorite flavor from Salt Farm.  Bake at 300F for 15-20 minutes, or until they're nice and crispy, and you've got a nutritious alternative to potato chips.  Oysters and Guinness is another classic pairing so be sure and stop by Poppa's Fresh Fish to pick up a dozen bivalves to shuck and enjoy at home.

Here's to your health and Happy St. Patrick's Day!