Libby Hires, Columnist
The greening of the fountain has happened in Savannah and the yellowing (pollen) of Richmond Hill has taken place. Azaleas are now braving the rollercoaster weather to burst forth into buds. By golly, it’s looking like St. Patrick’s Day is coming in Coastal Georgia! I’ve always been amazed at the azaleas and their impeccable timing in showing out for St. Patrick’s Day.
Somehow, they know this area is about to have major visitors and we have to get our pretty on. Mother Nature grabs her makeup bag and brushes, and voila, beautiful colors show up everywhere.
She can behave when she wants, it seems.
St. Patrick’s Day in our area tends to make everyone find out they are at least a wee bit Irish, at least for the day.
The only DNA test they have done is drinking one green beer. If you can keep it down and walk straight on the cobblestones of River Street, you are a wee bit Irish. If you can drink more than one, start speaking the correct Irish brogue, and go down the STEPS at River Street without falling, you probably have more Irish blood. There are more similar tests, I’ve been told. My DNA test through 23 and Me was sufficient for me (as well as the stories from my grandmother).
It also seems that you if you have a love for traditional and true Irish foods, you may have the luck of the Irish somewhere within you. However, you may just be like those that can only go as far as celebrating with a Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s. If so, this year’s St. Patty’s Day column is for you!
We’re going to celebrate the going of the green with the greening of the table. We’ll have to pray the Irish eyes of our ancestors will be smiling over us and will understand.
I hope you have a happy and safe St. Patrick’s Day! I’ll close with some recipes to help you celebrate the day and a simple Irish Blessing (it’s my favorite, OK maybe it’s a curse and not a blessing. Ha! Ha!) Dia duit!
“May those who love us, love us; And for those who don’t love us, May God turn their hearts; And if He Doesn’t turn their hearts, May He turn their ankles, So, we will know them by their limping.”
Watergate Salad
(This green fluffy dessert or side dish has been popular since the 70s. It will be a hit with kids and adults.)
· 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix · 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, with juice · 1 cup miniature marshmallows · ½ cup chopped walnuts · 4 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed Directions: Combine all ingredients except for whipped topping in a large bowl. Mix until well combined. Fold in whipped topping. Chill for at least 1 to 2 hours prior to serving. To garnish before serving, top with a dollop of whipped cream and maraschino cherries.
Mint Chocolate Chip Shakes
2 cups mint chocolate chip ice cream 1 ¼ cups milk or half and half Chocolate syrup Whipped cream, optional Directions: Blend ice cream and milk or half and half in a blender until smooth. Drizzle syrup sparingly on the inside of 2 tall glasses. Add milkshake and top with whipped cream (and additional chocolate syrup!) if desired.
Libby Hires is a columnist with the Bryan County News.