Gathering a group of friends for ‘off’ holidays seems to be my and Greg’s new tradition: President’s Day, Oktoberfest, and now St. Patrick’s Day.  There is something inherently festive about these parties (not that St. Patrick’s Day needs any help in the festive department).  With a built in theme of all that is green and Irish, there is nothing to fret over with a St. Patrick’s Day party.  After all, is there really any reason to mess around with as good of a thing as corned beef and cabbage?  Throw in some potatoes and spring carrots and call it a day.  And while serving Guinness is a perfectly suitable beverage for such an affair, Greg upped the anti by creating a signature drink: “The Leprechaun.”  He showed off his drawing skills with a visual aid for guests to follow his recipe and make their own drinks (no one should have to play bartender at their own party).  The result was a tasty concoction of Jameson, shamrocks (for real!), cucumber and lime, topped off with a splash Harp.  And after years of experimenting with St. Paddy’s Day desserts (e.g. Lucky Charms treats, chocolate stout cake, Guinness ice cream & beer floats), I’ve landed upon a new tradition: little pots of gold in the form of butterscotch pots de creme (topped with whipped cream and edible gold, of course).  Hope everyone recovered well from the Irish antics: Slainte!!