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The Best Grilled Chicken

   Ingredients: 1.75 pounds skinless chicken breasts 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 4 large garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon dried thyme ½ teaspoon dried oregano 1¼ teaspoons salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 1½ teaspoons lemon zest Instructions: 1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a zip-lock bag and pound them to an even ½-inch thickness. 2. Make the Marinade: Mix all ingredients (except chicken) in a zip-lock bag. 3. Marinate: Add the chicken to the bag, seal, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. 4. Grill: Preheat the grill to high heat and oil the grates. Cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side. 5. Serve: Transfer to a platter and enjoy! This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or cookout. 

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St. Patrick’s Day: History, Celebrations, and Fun Facts


 St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated annually on March 17, holds a rich history that intertwines religion, culture, and legend. Let’s delve into the fascinating origins of this festive day:

  1. Who Was St. Patrick?

    • Saint Patrick, born in Roman Britain during the fifth century, is the patron saint of Ireland and its national apostle.
    • At the age of 16, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave. After escaping, he returned to Ireland and is credited with bringing Christianity to its people.
    • One of the most well-known legends associated with St. Patrick is that he used the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock, to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
  2. Early Observance in Ireland:

    • For over 1,000 years, the Irish have observed St. Patrick’s Day as a religious holiday.
    • During the Christian season of Lent, Irish families traditionally attended church in the morning and celebrated in the afternoon.
    • Lenten prohibitions against meat consumption were waived, allowing people to dance, drink, and feast on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.
  3. First St. Patrick’s Day Parade:

    • Surprisingly, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade did not take place in Ireland but in America.
    • Records show that a parade was held on March 17, 1601, in a Spanish colony in what is now St. Augustine, Florida.
    • Homesick Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched in New York City on March 17, 1772, to honor the Irish patron saint.
    • Enthusiasm for St. Patrick’s Day parades in New York City, Boston, and other American cities continued to grow.
  4. Growth of Celebrations:

    • Irish patriotism among American immigrants flourished, leading to the rise of “Irish Aid” societies.
    • These societies held annual parades featuring bagpipes and drums.
    • In 1848, several New York Irish Aid societies united their parades to form the world’s oldest civilian parade: the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which remains the largest in the United States with over 150,000 participants.

So, as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, let’s raise a glass to the enduring legacy of this beloved holiday! 

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