Don’t we all reference St. Patrick’s Day when we think of the month of March? But actually, there’s much more to March than this famed Irish holiday. For instance, here are just a few special occasions, and ways to celebrate them (chosen because they’re food-related):

PEANUT BUTTER LOVERS DAY (March 1st). Why not indulge in classics, like peanut butter and apples. Try something new, like noodles and peanut butter, pickles and peanut butter, or peanut butter and bacon. Sweet tooth? Make some peanut butter cookies!

SOUP IT FORWARD DAY (March 3rd). Soup Sisters (a non-profit organization that provides soup to shelters and agencies in Canada and the United States; its mission is to help people experiencing food insecurity) founded National “Soup it Forward Day” to encourage everyone to make a difference in each other’s lives through the warm, healing kindness of sharing a bowl of soup. Great idea? Then how about making your favorite soup and delivering it to someone you know who could use the warmth of kindness in their life?

PI DAY (March 14th). Calling all math nerds, this one’s for you! National Pi Day on March 14th recognizes the mathematical constant π. Also known as pi, the first three and most recognized digits are 3.14. The day is celebrated by pi enthusiasts and pie lovers alike! Celebrate the day by making or enjoying slice of a pie!

SLOPPY JOE DAY (March 18th). Let’s whip up our favorite Sloppy Joe recipe (plus sides) to go along with it, and invite a few friends or family in to help celebrate.

And speaking of celebrating, there are some very important benefits to including more celebrating in our lives. Celebrating helps us feel happier, more motivated, and more resilient. It can also help build confidence and self-worth. But that’s just the beginning. Here are other reasons why mental health professionals say we should celebrate more:

• It reduces stress
• It fosters gratitude
• It’s a great way to express appreciation to others
• It’s grounds for reflection, assessment, and goal-setting (think of a New Year’s Day dinner)
• It’s a lovely way to share—your happiness and prosperity, your love and joy
• It’s a fun way to create anticipation for the future
• It’s a wonderful way to connect with others and build or strengthen relationships

You in? Me, too! So with that decision made, how about we plan one right now? Maybe let’s combine National PI Day with National Sloppy Joe Day as the framework for a meal. You make the pie and I’ll bring the Sloppy Joes. Take a look at the recipe I’ll be using. Meanwhile, let’s all raise a glass to more celebrations (and Happy St. Patrick’s Day)!

BEST Sloppy Joes

Serving size: 4
Calories per serving: 411

Ingredients:

1 small onion finely chopped
1/2 green bell pepper seeded and finely diced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons yellow mustard
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 pound lean ground beef 85%-90% lean
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
1/4 teaspoon pepper or to taste
3 cloves garlic minced
1/4 cup water optional, or added to desired consistency
4 hamburger buns toasted, if desired

Directions:

1. Finely chop the onion. Seed and finely dice the green pepper.

2. In a bowl, combine the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, and tomato sauce.

3. Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium/high heat. Add olive oil and ground beef. Saute the beef for about 5 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper and add in the diced peppers and onion.

4. Cook another 5 minutes until the veggies are tender and beef is browned.

5. Add minced garlic and saute 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly. Add in the sauce and bring to a light boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes or until thickened to your liking. Season to taste with salt and pepper and add water if you prefer a looser consistency.

6. Serve on toasted buns for Sloppy Joe Sandwiches.

Recipe formatted with the Cook'n Recipe Software from DVO Enterprises.

    Alice Osborne
    DVO Newsletter Contributor since 2006
    Email the author! alice@dvo.com