Inexpensive St. Patrick's Day Menu Ideas
Green and Environmentally Friendly Foods For Luck
Mar 15, 2009
Greens found in spinach, herbs and various vegetables can add colour without the need for artificial flavouring or colours, and still keep your entertaining budget low without looking cheap.
St. Patrick’s Day Salads
Try a salad made with spinach, and dressed in a Green Goddess dressing: Another option is to chop up some avocadoes and dress the salad with lemon juice, olive oil and some salt and pepper.
Cucumber Salad: Slice two firm, unpeeled organic English cucumbers into thin rounds. Add two tablespoons of white vinegar and add salt to taste, garnish with black pepper.
Tabouli Salad: A salad made of finely chopped parsley, onion, tomatoes and bulgur wheat, it can also be made with brown rice.
“Green” Canapés for St. Patrick’s Day
Cream cheese mashed with garlic and chives makes for a naturally greenish spread: Butter slices of crusty bread with it and garnish with watercress, sliced cucumbers, or just leave it au naturel.
Green crudité platter: Chop up some organic vegetables, like broccoli florets, zucchini slices and green peppers and serve with a dip or dressing of your choice.
Guacamole: Mashed avocadoes with tomato and onion makes a terrific dip or dressing; serve with tortillas or flat bread, it makes a festive green and healthy dish.
Green Eggs and Ham
Even if you are not a Dr. Seuss fan, this dish is sure to please. For those who are wondering, the eggs are green – not the ham.
Make an omelette or scrambled eggs: As you are beating the eggs, add a fistful of your favourite fresh herbs to the mix – rosemary, oregano and thyme work beautifully here. Serve with a slice of ham.
Green Omelette Recipe
- Beat six eggs together in a bowl.
- Add two tablespoons of milk or cream.
- Add a tablespoon of each or any of the following green herb: Rosemary, oregano, Thyme, basil or parsley
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium high heat until the foam subsides.
- Pour egg mixture into the pan, and cook, lifting edges to let uncooked egg run underneath and shaking skillet occasionally to loosen omelette, until almost set, 4 to 5 minutes. (Optional: Chopped up slices of ham can also be added at this point.)
- Either using a spatual to fold the omelette over or sliding onto a plate then flipping it back onto skillet, invert omelet back into skillet and cook 1 to 2 minutes more.
- Serve on top of sliced ham.
These frugal but tasty dishes are great for any gathering, and provide a good setting to any St. Patrick’s gathering, whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch or supper!
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