BreakingModern — When many people think of St. Patrick’s Day parties, they immediately imagine mugs of green beer and a buffet of green food. But you don’t have to buy into these frat-house traditions to make your St. Patrick’s Day party a success. In fact, there are a variety of unique recipes that can make this year’s party one to remember.
“Many people think of St. Patrick’s Day as a license to drink all day,” says Kac Young, author of Heart Easy: The Food Lover’s Guide to Heart Healthy Eating. “The day after will tell you maybe that wasn’t such a good idea. Bring your friends together in a safe and sane gathering, serve healthy snacks and enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the Irish culture without over-partying and paying a higher price.”
Heart Easy Irish Nachos
If your friends are trying to stay in shape, this healthier version of this party classic will be a hit. The heart-healthy recipe uses red potatoes, chili beans, soy cheese and chicken or turkey for a delicious combination of flavors.
Shamrock Sandwiches
Proving that St. Patrick’s Day food doesn’t have to be green to show its festive side are these shamrock-shaped sandwiches. All you’ll need is bread, some shamrock-shaped cookie cutters and whatever filling you choose.
March Mint Madness Ice Cream
At eCreamery, you can create your own ice cream and have it shipped to you. For March, the site is featuring March Mint Madness ice cream, which is a combination of green mint ice cream with chocolate cookie crunch and swirls of fudge.
Reuben Sandwich Bar
Carlyn Berghoff, CEO of Chicago’s Berghoff Catering and Restaurant Group, suggests setting up a Reuben sandwich bar at your party. Your guests will have fun building their own sandwiches from stacks of fresh rye bread, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and corned beef.
Party Spinach Spread
A little spinach dip goes a long way. You can pair this spinach spread recipe with bread, crackers, celery or chips.
Pull-Apart Soda Bread
This recipe from Martha Stewart makes 16 sizeable servings. Your guests will appreciate the opportunity to enjoy an authentic Irish snack.
Lime Poke Cake
No St. Patrick’s Day party is complete without dessert. This Lime Poke Cake recipe from The Food Network can be sliced into small pieces for your guests to enjoy throughout the evening.
Low-Calorie Liquor
If a bar is part of your party, bariatric dietitian Melissa Rifkin recommends offering some low-calorie options for your diet-conscious guests. For beers, Select 55 and Miller Genuine Draft have the lowest calories, while whiskey shots, pickle back shooters and whiskey sours are some popular low-calorie Irish-themed liquor options.
Shamrock Shakes
If you look forward to St. Patrick’s Day-themed milkshakes at fast food restaurants each year, these five recipes will let you make them at home. If you want a little alcohol in your drink, try the Bailey’s Matcha Shamrock Shake or the Shamrock Shake All Grown Up.
Hungry Girl Low-Calorie Margarita
While Mexican-themed food and beverage options may not be on your list, margaritas can be green. This low-calorie margarita recipe from Hungry Girl will be a hit, especially with your female guests.
Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day with these recipes and, of course, the usual festivities.
For BMod, I’m Stephanie Faris.
First/Featured Image Credit: © millefloreimages / Dollar Photo Club
Second Image Credit: Courtesy of eCreamery
Third Image Credit: “Shamrock Shake” by Thomas via Flickr Creative Commons