St. Patty's Day Feast!

St. Patrick's Day this year is nothing compared to St. Patrick's Day last year... I was studying abroad in London and Ki came to visit over my spring break, which just so happened to coincide with St. Patrick's Day.  We wanted to do some traveling during her visit, and of course we just could not resist going to Dublin on the big day... it was interesting to say the least as the city was littered with green-clothed tourists to watch the parade and to pack the pubs.  Probably not something I would choose to do again, however it's pretty cool to be able to say we spent a St. Patrick's Day in Ireland.  I personally prefer a trip  to Chicago to see the most artificially green river in the world and see the crazies out and about there ;).


To celebrate this magnificent green day this year, Ki whipped us up some Irish Soda Bread, and a jazzed up version of Shepherd's Pie.  We even finished our meal with a minty green drink which was oh-so-good, although not as visually appealing as we had hoped.  And by the way, don't get me wrong.  Yes, it is currently March 16th, and yes, we did have this meal today.  But, we are also eating this meal tomorrow night but wanted to give you the ability to create your own healthy St. Patty's Day feast if you so wish.

Do get out your shamrock necklace, green shirt, and have the happiest, most delicious St. Patrick's Day!


Sauer Shepherd's Pie
makes 4 servings
1/4-1/2 can sauerkraut (depending on how much you like sauerkraut)
1 16oz bag frozen mixed veggies
1 bag boca ground crumbles
1 packet dried gravy
1 bag (4 80cal servings) betty crocker homestyle red instant potatoes

Microwave the mixed veggies and boca until cooked through, approximately 8 minutes.  When that is in the microwave, prepare both the potatoes and the gravy according to the directions on the packets.  Mix the sauerkraut into the prepared mashed potatoes.  Place the heated veggies and boca into a 9x9 baking pan and pour gravy over the top and mix to combine.  Top with the mashed potato mixture.  Bake in a 400* oven for 20 minutes, or until heated through.

Irish Soda Bread
makes 12 slices
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 cups all purpose flour
1t baking soda
2 cups low fat buttermilk

Combine the flours and baking soda together in a large bowl.  Make a well in the middle of the flour to pour the buttermilk into.  Using your hands, combine the buttermilk with the dry ingredients until fully incorporated.  Roll the dough out on the baking sheet and form into a circle with the dough and flatten until about 2" thick.  Cut a deep cross in the top of the dough, and prick with a fork.  Brush the dough with additional buttermilk if you so choose.  Bake in a 450* oven for 20 minutes, and then turn the oven down to 400* and continue baking for 20-30 minutes.  The bread is done when browned and sounds hollow when you tap on the center.

Minty Green Shakes
makes 1 serving
8 oz light vanilla soy milk (60 calories)
1/4 of a pack of sugar free instant pistachio pudding
1 thin mint (or a mint cookie of some sort)
2 drops green food coloring
1 serving lite cool whip

Combine the soy milk, food coloring and pistachio pudding.  Once combined, add in the crushed cookie and place in the freezer for around 5 minutes.  Since it is made with soy milk, it won't set up but it will get a bit thicker.  Once out of the freezer, stir in the cool whip to increase its creamy thickness.