By Julia Howard
In the United States, Saint Patrick’s Day has ventured from authentic Irish traditions. However, Irish emigrants transformed the holiday into the celebration we know today; prominent displays of green, festive eating and drinking, and numerous parades.
You can find the spirit of Saint Patrick’s Day at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market. With the approach of spring, there will be plenty of green there for you, too! This Saturday at the Wilton Mall, local producers have all the goods to help you prepare for your Irish-infused festivities.
If you’re preparing corned beef, your beef brisket should be bathing in spice-filled brine. But it’s not too late to pick up locally grown essentials like cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. You can find the products you need at Gomez Veggie Ville.
Something’s Brewing recommends Sumatra roasted beans to make the best Irish coffee. Pour one and a half ounces of Irish whiskey and one teaspoon maple syrup into a mug, and fill the rest of the way with freshly brewed coffee. Stir, taste, and adjust the sweetness. Then top with whipped cream.
Pork & Greens has nutritious microgreens for fresh and festive greens. Lovin’ Mama Farm has returned with microgreens and potted herbs. And J. Adkins has a variety of succulents and houseplants to add a touch of green to your living space.
Suppose you’re looking for other flavors with a St. Patrick’s Day flair. In that case, Saratoga Chocolate Company’s Matcha Bar has the perfect balance of white chocolate and brilliant green Wakatake matcha (green tea powder with an earthy flavor). Junbucha will have green Japanese Matcha Kombucha, a tart yet sweet fermented beverage made with high-quality matcha, tea, and honey. Goat Scape cheese from R&G Cheesemakers offers savory goat cheese flecked with green garlic scapes.
Mean Max Brew Works has a diverse selection of handcrafted beers. And Kim Dolan Designed is hosting a drawing to win a lovely, handmade, green cloak.
For this week’s recipe, we share the main course that’s even more authentic to the Emerald Isle than corned beef and cabbage. Shepherd’s pie with lamb is a hearty dish with Irish roots. We enjoy Wolfgang Puck’s version that features many seasonal vegetables.
This weeks recipe: Shepherd’s Pie with Lamb
