[1] Guinness, a St. Pat’s standard (photo © Erik Jacobson | Unsplash).

[2] Irish whiskey, straight, on the rocks, or cocktails (photo © Slane Irish Whiskey).

[3] Baileys Irish Cream, the O.G. Irish cream liqueur (Abacus Photo).

[4] Irish Coffee in the standard glass mug (photo © Libbey).

[5] Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale (photo © Smithwick’s).

 
 
THE PURPOSE OF CINCO DE MARCHO

A clever play on Cinco de Mayo, its intent is to start a 12‑day “liver training” discipline leading up to the heavy drinking often associated with St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th. It was established in 2007.

The founders—the fancifully named Carlos Fantastico and Lady O’ Le, realized on March 5th that year that they’d need to “prepare” for a St. Patrick’s Day with heavy-drinking friends.

They were at a Mexican restaurant at the time, drinking Margaritas at a Mexican restaurant, noticed the coincidence with Cinco de Mayo, and turned it into a recurring joke-holiday that blends Mexican‑style drinks with Irish‑themed drinking culture.

Their thought was that people—especially those who don’t drink much normally—need to “warm up” with Margaritas or drinks of choice starting on March 5th, so they’d be ready for St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

It you’d like to celebrate Cinco de Marcho, today’s the day to start.

Here are 35 Margarita recipes: many more than you need to “warm up.”

To warm up with St. Patrick’s Day drinks, head to the section below.
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Editor’s Note: The Spanish word for March is Marzo, not Marcho. National Margarita Day is February 22nd.
 
 
THE MOST POPULAR ST. PATRICK’S DAY DRINKS

At bars you’ll find green beers (lager + a few drops of green coloring, green vodka lemonades, “Lucky” green Margaritas, Shamrock and Grasshoper-type cocktails, (minty green, often crème de menthe + cream).

If you want to host a St. Patrick’s Day cocktail party, here’s where to start.

Irish Beer

 
Plus:

 
Irish Whiskey

 
Irish Cream Liqueur

 
 
ELSEWHERE ON THE NIBBLE

> The history of beer.

> The different types of beer: a photo glossary.

> The different types of whiskey: a photo glossary.

> The history of whiskey.

> The different types of whiskey and whiskey (Irish) vs. whisky (Scotch).

> The history of cocktails.

> The year’s 50+ cocktail and spirits holidays.

> The year’s 40+ beer holidays.
 

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Why?

To accent various foods and drinks, of course. But there’s a bonus benefit: Charring citrus fills the house with fragrance.

It’s far better than aroma of baking cookies for fragrance, a trick recommended by realtors when potential buyers come to view your home.

Be it lemon, lime, grapefruit, or orange, there’s plenty you can do with charred citrus.

Below:

> Why char citrus fruits?

> The recipe to char citrus.

> Uses for charred citrus.

> The year’s 45+ citrus fruit holidays.

> More smoky foods.
 
 
Elsewhere on The Nibble:

> The year’s 40+ citrus holidays.

> The history of grapefruits.

> The history of lemons.

> The history of limes.

> The history of oranges.

> The history of mandarins.

> The difference between mandarins and oranges.

> The different types of lemons: a photo glossary.

> The different types of limes: a photo glossary.

> Albedo? Columella? Exocarp? Beyond the rind and the juice sacs, check out the different parts of a citrus fruit.
 
 
WHY CHAR CITRUS FRUITS?

Charring any citrus fruit gives it more depth and complexity: the sweet notes are sweeter, the acidity is somehow brighter, and then the smoky aroma and flavor is a treat for lovers of smoky foods. See more of them below.

Charred lemons, limes, oranges, and other citrus fruits develop a smoky, caramelized flavor that adds depth and brightness to both savory and sweet dishes. There are numerous uses for them below.
 
Charred Vs. Grilled Citrus

In culinary terms, grilling is a controlled enhancement to a food, while charring is a deliberate transformation of it.

A grilled lemon is still fundamentally a lemon; a but a charred lemon is something more intense.

 
 
RECIPE: CHARRED LEMONS, LIMES, & ORANGES

Ingredients

 
Preparation

1. PREHEAT the broiler. Slice the ends off the citrus fruits, and then slice them in half.

2. PLACE the citrus on a cast iron griddle or a baking sheet with the cut side up. Broil on the very top rack, or as close as you can get, for 10 to 15 minutes or until charred.

3. COOL the citrus before using.

[1] It’s easy to char fresh citrus. Here’s a video (Chat GPT Photo).

[2] Slice ‘em and char ‘em (photo © Monika Stawowy | Wesual | Unsplash).

[3] Squeeze the juice of the charred lemon or lime for a charred lemonade or limeade with mezcal. Here’s the recipe. You can omit the mezcal for non-drinkers (photos © Gelson’s Market).

[4] Grilled salmon with charred lemon and orange slices. Here’s the recipe (photo © Wild Alaskan Company).

Charred lemons in particular have been having a moment in restaurant kitchens over the past several years, showing up in everything from cocktails to vinaigrettes to finishing sauces. The technique is simple enough for home cooks but adds a sophisticated touch.

All charred citrus fruits develop a smoky, caramelized flavor that adds depth and brightness to both savory and sweet dishes. Here are some popular and creative uses for them:

 
While not a citrus fruit, we want to give a shout out to charred tomatoes. Use them in:

 
 
MORE SMOKY FOODS

If you like smoky flavors, there’s world of smoked foods in the U.S. that goes way beyond the usual brisket, ribs, smoked salmon, and Lapsang Souchong tea. Here are more smoked foods to buy or make:

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[1] Fusion food†: Greek avocado toast (Abacus Photo).

[2] Haas avocados are smaller than other varieties, but have much creamier flesh. That’s why they’re used for guacamole (photo © Haas Avocado Board).

[3] Walnuts add flavor, protein, and crunch (photo © Bake Your Day).

National toast day is the last Thursday in February, and we’ve put a spin on avocado toast. The popular breakfast fare, which is believed to have originated in Australia, now has a Grecian touch with feta, Kalamata olives, and

Below:
> The recipe.

> The year’s 20+ bread holidays. (June is National Avocado Month.)

Elsewhere on The Nibble:

> The year’s 7 avocado holidays.

> More avocado toast recipes.

> The history of bread.

> The different types of bread: a photo glossary.

> The history of avocado toast.

> The history of avocado.

> More avocado toast recipes.
 
 
RECIPE: GREEK-INSPIRED AVOCADO TOAST

We marinated the cherry tomatoes in extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, with some dried oregano. You can use the tomatoes plain, if you wish.

Can you place all the ingredients into a toasted pita pocket or a pocketless pita? Sure!
 
Ingredients

 
Preparation

If you prefer, slice the avocado rather than mash it. For an hour or more in advance, marinate the cherry tomatoes.

1. MASH the avocado flesh with a fork. Mix in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

2. TOAST the bread and spread the mashed avocado generously over each slice.

3. TOP with the cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle with the feta cheese, olives, walnuts, and basil. Finish with a few grinds of black pepper and a sprinkle of crunchy sea salt or a drizzle of EVOO as desired.

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*All three nuts—almonds, pistachios, and walnuts—are popular in Greek cuisine. Walnuts are most often used in traditional cooking. Pistachios (fistikia) are a significant garnish, while almonds are a nutritious snack. You can substitute other nuts as you prefer, or even use mixed nuts.

†Fusion food is a culinary style that blends ingredients, techniques, and flavors from different cultures, regions, or countries to create dishes that represent multiple cuisines

‡An annual, international celebration of additive-free bread.

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[1] With chocolate chunks, you get bigger bites of chocolate (photos #1, #2, #3, and #8 Abacus).

[2] Otherwise, chocolate chips work perfectly well. .

[3] You can use white bread, but rich brioche makes any dessert grilled cheese sandwich better.

[4] Brie is perfect for dessert grilled cheese, but we have plenty of alternatives below (photo © Isigny Sainte-Mère).

[5] Top with cherry pie filling (photo © Chukar Cherries).

[6] Add as many as you like (photo © Bella Baker).

[7] The recipe calls for chopped almonds, but you can substitute another favorite nut. We made a version with one of our faves, pistachios, and liked it equally well. If you’re chopping your own almonds, you an use cinnamon-, honey-glazed, or spiced nuts for an extra layer of flavor (photo © Amazon).

While George Washington never chopped down a cherry tree, the myth created in his first biography by Parson Weems will never die*. Acknowledging this, we elect to celebrate his birthday each year, February 22, with a new cherry recipe.

We adapted the following recipe from one we found on Taste Of Home, called Cherry-Chocolate Pudgy Pie, created by Josh Carter of Birmingham, Alabama.

Although it had no cheese (see photo #10 at the bottom), we thought: Let’s turn this into a grilled cheese sandwich with Brie!

 
While Josh makes his Pudgy Pie for campfires and cookouts, we turned the concept into a great indoor snack and dessert.

Below:

> The chocolate-cherry grilled cheese recipe.

> Beyond Brie: different cheeses you can use.

> More chocolate-cherry recipes.

Elsewhere on The Nibble:

> More dessert grilled cheese recipes.

> The history of the grilled cheese sandwich.

> The history of the sandwich.

> The different types of sandwiches: a photo glossary.

> The history of Brie.

> The history of cherries.

> Homemade cherry pie filling recipe.

> 20 more ways to use cherry pie filling.

> The year’s 25+ sandwich holidays.

> The year’s 30 cheese holidays.

> The year’s 15+ cherry holidays.
 
 
RECIPE: CHERRY-CHOCOLATE DESSERT GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH

We made the sandwich both on good-quality white bread and on brioche. Brioche wins!

You can also make a simpler recipe on toast with cream cheese or mascarpone, no grilling needed.
 
Ingredients

 
Preparation

1. PLACE 1 slice of bread in a greased sandwich iron, panini press, or grill pan. Spread with pie filling; top with almonds, chocolate chips and remaining bread slice.

2. COOK until golden brown and heated through, 3-6 minutes, turning occasionally.
 
 
BRIE CHEESE ALTERNATIVES

 
 
MORE CHOCOLATE-CHERRY RECIPES

 
 

[8] Mascarpone and dulce de leche make this grilled cheese sandwich a sweet treat. Here’s the recipe. You can add a layer of raspberry preserves or fresh raspberries (photo © Dairy Farmers Of Wisconsin).
 
 

[9] Challah is a more affordable alternative to brioche. Both are rich, yeasted, egg-based breads; as enriched doughs, they share a similar, slightly sweet, and buttery taste, making them ideal substitutes for each other in recipes like grilled cheese and French toast (note that challah is dairy-free, substituting olive/vegetable oil for butter).

________________
 
*More George Washington myths: He never had wooden teeth. His dentures were made of materials like ivory, gold, lead, and even human teeth from enslaved people, which were wired together. Nor did he wear a wig. Even though it was the fashion of the time, Washington kept his own hair long, tied back, and powdered white. The list goes on.

†Dessert wine wine pairings with dark chocolate: Banyuls, late harvest Zinfandel, Maury, Port, shiraz, and Vin Santo. The Nibble capitalizes words that are a proper nouns, e.g., New York cheesecake.
 

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February 20th is National Cherry Pie Day. If you like to bake but have a discerning palate, you may want a better option than the canned pie filling on the grocer’s shelf.

Julie Laing of the Taste of Home Test Kitchen developed this recipe using fresh summer cherries. However, she gave those of us who don’t want to wait until summer, or don’t want to pit the cherries, the option to use frozen tart pitted cherries to make cherry pie filling.

We were sold!

The frozen cherries don’t even need to be thawed beforehand. However, since frozen cherries have more moisture than fresh cherries, you may need to adjust the amount of cornstarch to compensate for the extra liquid.

Either way, we generally use sour or tart cherry varieties when making pie filling because they provide cherry sweetness with a touch of tartness. However, any type of cherry can be used.

Below:

> The recipe for cherry pie filling.

> 20 more ways to use cherry pie filling.

Elsewhere on The Nibble:

> The history of pie.

> The history of cherries.

> The different types of pie: a photo glossary.

> The year’s 31 pie holidays.

> The year’s 15+ cherry holidays.

> The difference between a pie and a tart.

> The history of pie à la mode.
 
 
RECIPE: HOMEMADE CHERRY PIE FILLING

Make your cherry filling bright red with some red food coloring. Please note that this recipe was not created for canning.

Be sure to take a look at the variations below.
 
Ingredients

 
Preparation
 
1. COMBINE the sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a large saucepan. Add the cherries, water and lemon juice.

2. BRING to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; if desired, stir in food coloring.

3. COOL completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for three to five days.
 
Variations

 
 
MORE ABOUT PIE

> The history of pie.

> The history of cherries.

> The different types of pie: a photo glossary.

> The year’s 31 pie holidays.

> The year’s 15+ cherry holidays.

> The difference between a pie and a tart.

> The history of pie à la mode.

[2] Instead of a conventional top crust, cut out shapes of dough. Even better, cut out shapes of sugar cookie dough. Here’s the recipe for this gluten-free cherry pie (photos #2 and #3 © Bonjon Gourmet).

[3] Ready for my ice cream, Mr. DeMille.

[4] These pitted frozen Michigan tart cherries are available directly from the grower, King Orchards.

[5] A pie stencil will give you a cutout effect (photo © Chefs Catalog [alas, now closed]).

Beyond making cherry pie, cobbler, cookies (especially thumbprints), and pastry filling, and tarts, cherry pie filling is a versatile ingredient for quick desserts and garnishes.

 
One of our favorite super-easy desserts or snacks:

Use cherry topping over a brick of cream cheese and serve with cookies: chocolate, shortbread, or plain butter cookies and sugar cookies).

For a quick, no-bake option, mix the filling with softened cream cheese and whipped topping to make a “cherry yum yum” dessert
 
 

[7] Beyond pie: an easy cherry cheesecake. Here’s the recipe (photo © Stemilt).
 
________________
 
*Cherry sauce recipe per cup of cherry filling: In a small pot add the cherries, 1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons brandy, orange liqueur, or rum. Taste and adjust the seasonings as you like. For a thinner sauce, dilute with water, 1 tablespoon at a time. For a thicker sauce, add cornstarch, using 1/2 tablespoon each of cornstarch and cold water. First whisk them into a slurry until smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer and whisk in the slurry. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it thickens and becomes glossy. You can serve it warm or cool.
 

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