Erin Go Bragh!

In New York, everyone’s Irish at least one day each year. That would be today, March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day.

Across New York City, Long Island, and many other areas throughout the United States, today you’ll find a sea of green. Not just parade-goers in green-sequence top hats. But, you’ll find green bagels, green doughnuts, green muffins, green cookies, and green cakes. And, let’s not forget green beer.

Even at 40, for me St. Patrick’s Day is a reminder of one of my greatest childhood misunderstandings. Till I was invited to the first round of our classmates’ Lutheran confirmations, I thought all Christians in the United States were Roman Catholic, and the vast majority of them were from Ireland and Italy.

Growing up on Long Island, what else was I supposed to think?

It’s amazing what we pick up from our surroundings and the decisions we make from our firsthand experiences. I think we’re wiser today and exposed to much more than what’s in our own backyards, but memories of this childhood mistake remind me to be careful not to jump to conclusions.

I’ve never been to the St. Patrick’s Day parade. I don’t think I’ve ever been to any New York City parade or Times Square on New Year’s Eve. I guess joining large, sometimes inebriated crowds on the street in cold weather just isn't my thing. Not when you can watch it in the comfort of your own home, a few feet from a clean bathroom.

For as long as I can remember, my favorite part of this holiday was the Irish-American tradition of corned beef and cabbage. I’ve been making it for years and look forward to it like all holiday fare. This year was no exception.

Most people today don’t know why it’s called corned beef. They’re puzzled when they think about it, since there’s no corn to be found in any version of the dish.

But, in this case, corn doesn’t refer to what immediately pops into your mind. Back in the days before refrigeration, meats were packed in salt or brine (salted water) to preserve them. The coarse salt used in this process was referred to as kernels or corns.

I’ve already packed mine for today’s lunch. I just can’t decide between the green bagel or green doughnut for breakfast.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!