A Little Bit of a St. Patrick’s Day History For You

​Why do we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Who’s St. Patrick? And… What’s with the green-colored food, outfits, decor, drinks this time of the year?

St. Patrick’s Day is an annual religious and cultural celebration held every 17th of March. It’s a holiday in honor of St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint. 

Who had an AMAZING heart for missions!

So don’t be surprised if you hear a lot of Irish music, Irish lore, Irish food, and everything Irish during this holiday.

Irish expats brought this annual holiday to the United States, and it’s become a part of the modern traditions in America beginning in 1762. Pretty long time!

As for the question of why people wear green on St. Patrick’s day… It’s become a tradition for people to don green clothing, accessories, hats, and shamrocks because according to legends, St. Patrick used this three-leaved plant to educate pagans about the Holy Trinity.

But here’s the modern history, sort of funny story behind the green outfits on this holiday.

Irish-Americans in the early 1700s circulated this folklore that green clothing helps them hide from leprechauns. So if you’re not wearing anything but green, watch out – a leprechaun might spot you and pinch you. LOL.

That’s just a story, of course, but what stayed is the tradition of wearing green and eating green on St. Patrick’s Day. 

What Makes This St. Patrick’s Day Cookies Recipe Better Than the Rest

​This St. Patrick’s Day cookie recipe is unique because of how it gets its festive color.

​And how protein-rich it is. These cookies are loaded with protein, making them super special and highly nutritious.

​The secret is in the flour used and some bananas thrown in. We use almond flour here, which is a protein-rich flour made from ground up raw almonds, so you can enjoy the protein goodness, plus your antioxidants and minerals from these highly nutritious nuts.

​As a bonus, there’s the delicate almond flavor to the flour, too!

​So you can munch on these St. Patrick’s Day cookies without the guilt because you know you’re not consuming empty calories that go straight to your belly.

​Here are the flours I used:

I bet no one’s going to pinch you with your green shirt on St. Patrick’s Day but these yummy St Patricks day cookies can’t escape from the pinching and grabbing even if they’re dressed for the holiday.

​They’re just so good! And F.Y.I – they’re a little green not because of any weird, chemical-ey coloring. I used a naturally green ingredient that gave it that fit-for-the-holiday color, making it the highlight of the kids’ party table on St. Patrick’s Day.

​And it’s also the perfect snack after their Bible verse St. Patrick’s Day fun activity! So let’s get these goodies bakin’ in the oven and check out my healthy St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock cookies how-to down below:

Step 1

Steam spinach in microwave safe bowl for 20 minutes.

NOTE: The spinach flavor will disappear and your family will never know it is in the cookies

Step 2

Blend spinach and banana in a blender to make a green creamy mixture. Without the banana, it is hard to blend the spinach into a creamy mixture.

Step 3

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Step 4

Combine spinach cream, flours, oil, and sugar.

Add in salt.

Step 5

​For drop cookies, roll in a ball and place on cookie sheet.

​Press cookies with a decorative glass or imprint.

​If using a cookie cutter, chill dough for 30 minutes before rolling and cutting.

Step 6

​Bake for 12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Enjoy these yummy cookies!​