Suzie's

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!

TACOS TAKE ON PIZZA AT FARMERS' MARKET

In this corner, fresh, warm tortillas from Don Tommy's Mexican Food, ready to be filled with grilled tri-tip from DaLe Ranch, or shrimp from Poppa's Fresh Fish, sauteed summer squash from Valdivia Farms, avocado and cilantro from R&L, lettuce from Suzie's, jalapeno and green onion from JR Organics, and maybe a smear of chipotle flavored Bitchin' Sauce.

In the other corner, homemade pizza dough with fresh marinara sauce from Conchetta's, topped with mozzarella from Lisko Imports or parmigiano-reggiano from Taste, DaLe Italian sausage, roasted winter squash from Suzie's, and all your other favorite farm fresh vegetables.  Who will win?  You will if you shop at the North Park Farmers' Market!