Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with these Festive Cupcakes.

More than just cabbage and potatoes, Irish cuisine has long relied on a wealth of wild garlic, kale, scallions, barley, oats, sausages, lamb and a varied aquaculture ranging from cockles and mussels to rich cod and salmon.

So whether you’re entertaining or just want to add a little “green” to your dinner menu, we’ve gathered together some Irish-influenced favorites along with a few bright-green Spring selections for your St. Patty’s day feasting. Slainte Mhath! (In other words, to your good health!)

Appetizers:

• Enjoy sandwiches made of Organic Irish Smoked Salmon or Irish cheddar and our dark whole wheat bread. We also have Irish Soda Bread that pairs well with some jam or jelly.
• Make a Leek Bruschetta (recipe here) by topping almost-carmelized leeks on top of crispy baguette slices.
• Kale chips are easy to make (recipe here) by simply baking kale leaves in the oven and seasoning with sea salt.

Main Course:

• Corned beef and cabbage (recipe here) is a classic American dish often served on St. Patrick’s Day.
• Adding beer to a dish is an easy way to add flavor like in this Beef and Beer with Potatoes dish (recipe here).
• To warm up on a chilly night, try this recipe for Mussel Soup Dublin, a dish of Scots-Irish origin.

Dessert:

•  Indulge in our deliciously moist vanilla and chocolate cupcakes with rich buttercream frosting, nicely decorated in green and white.
• Make a batch of Potato Chip Cookies (recipe here) .
• Relax with a cup of Irish tea and piping hot scones.

Drinks:

In addition to the St. Patrick’s Day cocktails developed by Tom Smith of Union Square Wines (click here), here’s a compilation of suggested beverages to go with your Irish-inspired meal: 

• From the West Village institution, McSorley’s brews satisfies without imposing on the salty regulars. Other classic beers like Guinness and Harp are always part of many St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
• Enjoy a classic Irish Whiskey like Jameson in this cocktail or you can trade up to Tyrconnell Single Malt Irish Whiskey, a smoother and smokier option.
• Blueprintjuice Green: Try this alcohol-free and festively green alternative, which can do double-duty as a hydrating and cleansing Sunday morning restorative.

What are you serving on St. Patrick’s Day? Let us know on the FreshDirect Facebook page or via http://www.twitter.com/FreshDirect