Top o' the Morning & Kalimera

February 20, 2013

Snake Saturday and St. Patrick’s Day are March activities that some look forward to all year. As well they should be, given that March is Irish-American Heritage Month. However, March is not only for the Irish. The month is also marked for another equally lively clan; it is also Greek Heritage Month.

St. Paddy’s Day is celebrated primarily with parades, green beer, and sometimes rowdy behavior. While you revel, don’t forget to send best wishes to our very own St. Pat, our branch manager, who will be the birthday girl that day. Most people consider corned beef and cabbage the traditional dinner for the day, but you know the more appropriate dinner would be anything with lamb, as its main feature.

March was set aside to celebrate the centuries of contributions to our melting-pot culture by both groups. They both have long colorful histories, and you see that in the traditions we still celebrate.

To get back to business of foods, why not combine Irish and Greek cuisine in a stew made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions. One could also fix two versions of a meal, popular in both countries, like Shepherd’s pie and Moussaka (both utilizing ground lamb). Recipes for these and many others, like variations of corned beef ‘n’ cabbage, can be found in our MCPL culinary collection or on our Research database, Culture Grams.

While you will be seeing your favorite MCPL librarians in the Snake Saturday parade, the month is so much more than green libation, shamrocks, and leprechauns.

You can chant "Slainte" but don’t forget "Eviva" too.

Mary B.
Claycomo Branch