The true meaning.
Saint Patrick’s Day always feels to me like the perfect way to celebrate that last moment before the winter farm market bids takes its leave and begins exploding with spring produce. It’s a meal filled with root vegetables, cabbage and slow cured, slow cooked meat. Besides, a holiday like this is everything I love about food - the opportunity to create some joy and sit down at a table to share it.
Admittedly, I’m not Irish, and, while this is a wonderful celebration of Irish immigrants’ influence on America, it, like so many holidays is much more. As I’ve looked at photographs of Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations in our home from year’s past I was struck by the tablefuls of people, the embraces, warm smiles and joy in sharing time and food that have been so absent in the past year.
I am reminded more than ever that simple holidays, especially those that often serve as an excuse to gather together and share a meal, celebrate what is most important in life - the simple joy of connection, community and conversation. It only gets better when you can name the farmer who produced the ingredients on your table.
So, this Saint Patrick’s Day, while gatherings are still a few months away, enjoy your dinner while thinking of those you love. They’ll be at your table again soon enough.
Menu:
Colcannon cabbage and potato soup
Honey and caraway roasted carrots
