sunflower seeds | We Laugh, We Cry, We Cook

(Becky, the Mama)

It was only four years ago that I discovered that I am, in fact, a wee bit Irish! My great-grandmother, who died when my paternal grandfather was just sixteen years old , was named Mary Kathryn McNally. My grandfather loved her fiercely and my Aunt Ann told me that his mother’s passing would remain, for most of his years, the saddest day of his life. Saint Patrick’s Day took on new meaning once I realized I was part of the Irish clan.

Of course, like most Americans I am my own walking Melting Pot: a Dash of Irish, a Sprinkle of Spanish, a dollop of English and who knows what other ingredients are mixing around in my gene pool?

To celebrate diversity, I decided to share my recipe for an Irish-Asian-Cajun fusion slaw today. How’s that for eclectic? It’s base is shredded cabbage and carrots — a nod to the Irish. But it’s quickly marinated in an Asian-sesame dressing with hints of Cajun red pepper spice for added kick.

My son popped in the other day, found a large bowl of this slaw in my fridge and ate nearly the whole thing! He loved it and asked for the recipe, a high compliment since he is a talented cook and foodie. This crunchy, refreshing slaw is a perfect Spring and Summer side-dish, a nice alternative to a lettuce salad and even easier to throw together.

Some of you may be stumped on how to decorate your table for tonight’s meal or event. So I wanted to suggest this green themed table decoration for your Saint Patrick Day’s Party:

(If you’ve not already heard us shout it from the mountain tops: our newest book, Nourished: A Search for Health, Happiness and a Full Night’s Sleep is out and available everywhere books are sold, in stores and online!)

And now, an Irish blessin’ for all our beloved readers!

May your hearth be warm, your holidays grand, and the Good Lord hold you in the palm of his hand.

Crunchy, Spicy, St. Patty’s Day Slaw

1 lb ready-shredded cabbage slaw (green and purple cabbage and carrots)

1/3 cup rice vinegar (or any mild white vinegar)

3 T. sugar

1 T. water

1 t. salt

1/2 t. Cajun seasoned salt (I like Tony’s Cajun Seasoning)

1 /2 t. pepper

1/2 t. celery seed (optional)

2 T. sesame oil

1 T. black sesame seeds

2 T. sliced almonds or sunflower seeds

Optional for added heat: few shakes of Tabasco or other pepper sauce

Directions:

Whisk all the ingredients above, except for the coleslaw and almonds (or sunflower seeds). Pour over coleslaw in a big roomy bowl, and toss with tongs, turning until the dressing has coated the slaw. (The slaw will absorb the dressing and get a bit softer and juicier as it sits a few minutes). Just before serving, toss in the almonds or sunflower seeds. Check seasonings and add a few shakes of Tabasco if you want more heat.

Store leftovers in an air tight container.