Like every year at U of I, the streets were engulfed with the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day on Friday. Partying all day, students shared in this tradition on the unofficial day of celebration.

On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, – which falls during the Christian season of Lent – Irish families traditionally would attend church in the mornings and celebrate in the afternoons. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast on the traditional meal of Irish corned beef and cabbage.

Today, as the wearing of the green goes global, people of all backgrounds share in the festivities. Although North America is home to a variety of peoples. Individuals from Canada and Australia to Japan and Russia celebrate this holiday.

With St. Patrick’s Day soon approaching, how will you officially celebrate? Even if you are not Irish or don’t celebrate this holiday, trying these recipes will diversify your cooking style.

Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3 tablespoons margarine or butter

1/4 cup raisins (optional)

1 egg white, slightly beaten

3/4 cup buttermilk

Nonstick cooking spray

1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in margarine or butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in raisins, if desired. Make a well in the center of the mixture.

2. Combine egg white and buttermilk. Add all at once to dry mixture. Stir just until moistened.

3. On a lightly floured surface knead dough 10 to 12 strokes until nearly smooth. Shape into a 7-inch round loaf.

4. Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Place bread dough on baking sheet. With a sharp knife, make 2 slashes in the top to form an X.

5. Bake in a 375 degree Fahrenheit oven about 30 minutes or until golden. Serve warm. Makes one loaf (16 servings).

Nutritional Information( per serving)

calories: 82, total fat: 2g, cholesterol: 0mg, sodium: 127mg, carbohydrate: 12g, protein: 2g

Ham and Cabbage Hash

Ingredients

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 cups chopped cabbage

3/4 cup shredded carrot

1 tablespoon margarine

12 ounces cooked ham, chopped

2 cups chopped cooked potatoes

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. In a 10-inch skillet cook onion, cabbage and carrot in hot margarine until vegetables are tender.

2. Stir in ham, potatoes, Worcestershire sauce and pepper. Spread mixture evenly in skillet. Cook over medium heat for five minutes, turning occasionally with spatula. Makes four servings.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

calories: 229, total fat: 7g, cholesterol: 42mg, sodium: 1011mg, carbohydrate: 22g, protein: 19g