We are officially going green over here, in many more ways than one. First of all, it’s about to be spring. My garlic plants are peeking up out of the straw, the daffodils are blooming, robins are singing, and soon there will be a day where we can drink beer in the morning, even all day long, with impunity. It’s about to be St. Patrick’s Day, which is huge in my city. They turn the entire river green, I’m not even kidding. It’s a day-long party with green painted faces, glittery shamrocks, and green beer. You wear green, or else you’re sore from the pinches. Evidently, personal boundaries don’t apply on St. Patty’s Day.
Beer isn’t the only thing that we’ll consume that’s green. Why not use the day to eat more veggies, as well? That way you don’t have to feel so remorseful the next day. Flatout flatbread comes in spinach flavor, too, so that’s a great start. Try this lean, mean protein machine wrap which uses a spinach flatbread wrapped around a quinoa salad. We also made a Ploughman’s wrap to celebrate the day in a more traditional way.
If you’re a fan of all things dippy, have we got some recipes for you! I’m in love with the light and easy Goddess of Green dip served with lemon pepper flatbread chips you bake at home, but these spinach and artichoke mini shooters are super fun to bring to a pre-parade party or office celebration, too, if you want to stay strictly vegetarian.
Green could mean limiting your animal proteins, as well. If that’s the case, there’s no better way to do that than by baking up some flatbread pizzas. Mushrooms easily fill in for meat on the mushroom spinach flatbread. Or try the sophisticated combination of flavors in a flatbread baked with ricotta cheese, broccolini, and a hint of lemon zest for a lovely fresh, light meal.
Or green could mean less environmental impact. I was watching some cute little animated info-cartoon about the impact of washing polyester clothing. Supposedly, microfibers from the laundry enter the water supply, potentially affecting well, everyone, from humans to wildlife. It sounds awful, and with news like this it’s easy to become overwhelmed. But instead of feeling completely out of control, I’ve decided to make an impact in my immediate environment, in order to feel happier. I pick up litter on my morning walks. I cook at home more. I use glass storage containers rather than single use ones, and I shop at thrift stores for the bulk of my houseware needs. I pack lunches during the work week, too, which really helps the monthly budget. This tofu banh mi wrap is one of our go-to faves, as well as Blogger David Dial’s recipe for Thai peanut wraps. Both flatbread recipes are absolute winners compared to ho-hum carry out.
Whatever you do to celebrate spring or St. Patrick’s Day, make it fun with some new recipes and your favorite flatbread. Just don’t get glitter in your food!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
-Amy at Flatout
