[1] Emmy’s Organics cookies are made with shredded coconut. They’re macaroon-style treats in different flavors (photo courtesy Emmy’s Organics).

[2] Each chewy cookie is delicious on its own or with a beverage (photo courtesy The Balanced Beet).

[3] How can you resist? Head to Walmart, use the store locator or order online.

THE NIBBLE is an omnivore publican. We eat everything. The only differentiator is that it has to be delicious.

With an evolution in consumer eating to more foods that are organic, gluten free, soy free, sustainable, non-GMO and vegan, many tasty products that meet these criteria are now available on store shelves nationwide.

One that crossed our desk recently is Emmy’s Organics Coconut Cookies. They’re a real find for coconut lovers, regardless of diet preferences.

You can find them at Walmart stores nationwide and via this store locator.

The Vanilla Bean flavor (photo #1) tastes like a lighter coconut macaroon. In an earlier package design, the cookies were labeled macaroons, as you can see in photo #2.

In addition to Vanilla Bean, we tried Peanut Butter, the other flavor that is available at Walmart.

Peanut Butter is a fine cookie, but for us, the coconut profile goes better with the Vanilla Bean and the other three flavors:

 
There are limited quantities available of:

 
The line is certified kosher (pareve) by Earth Kosher. See the ingredients below†.

Check the company website for the latest selection.
 
 
YOU CAN GET CREATIVE WITH THEM

Because the coconut creates a chewy cookie, just one of the 1-1/2″ rounds, paired with a beverage, is satisfying snack or dessert. We like the “leisurely chewing” they offer.

And because the cookies are crumbly, they can be topped with flavored yogurt, chocolate frosting, etc. to make “tartlets,” crumbled over ice cream, etc. The only limit is your imagination.
 
 
DISCOVER MORE AT EMMYSORGANICS.COM.

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*Golden milk is a healing beverage Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It combines turmeric and black pepper with coconut milk.

Ingredients include organic coconut, organic agave syrup, organic almond flour, organic coconut oil, organic vanilla extract, organic vanilla bean powder and Himalayan salt.

St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, is one of those holidays that everyone likes to celebrate.

Some attend a parade, some head to pubs.

But our favorite activity is casual entertaining at home with friends.

Our friends love to bring food to a gathering. So we have a group feast, without anyone doing too much work.

You can pull together a quick party with these ideas:

 
Plus, some of our favorite fun recipes:

 
Don’t forget the Irish Coffee.

If you’re on a budget, you don’t have to buy green napkins, cups and plates.

But pulling together some Irish music is a good idea: Maybe your friends can help with that, too.

The drinking toast is sláinte, “health” in Gaelic. It’s pronounced “SLAN-chuh” or SLAWN-chuh.

We’re not even going to try to pronounce Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhuit, which means Happy St Patrick’s Day to you

[1] Leprechaun lemonade can be served as a soft drink, or with Irish whiskey. Here’s the recipe, along with recipes for green beer and green ranch dip.

[2] There are different cheeses to create an Irish cheese board, but you can also sprinkle herbs with a shamrock cut-out (photo courtesy Vermont Creamery).

[1] Brussels sprouts with bacon jam, as an appetizer or beer/wine snack (photo © Pampered Chef).

[2] While large Brussels sprouts are tempting, smaller ones are more tender (photo © Sweetgreen).

With St. Patrick’s Day ten days ahead, we begin a series of festive recipes.

This recipe from Pampered Chef is both fun and tasty: Brussels sprouts, cooked in bacon drippings, topped with bacon jam (photo #1).

You can serve it as an appetizer, a side, or a beer/wine snack.

Use any leftover bacon jam with crackers or brie (baked brie or on a cheese plate)—or on toast.
 
 
RECIPE: BRUSSELS SPROUTS BITES WITH BACON JAM

Ingredients For 30 Pieces

 
Preparation

1. COOK the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Drain the grease from the skillet, reserving 1½ tablespoons of the bacon drippings.

2. ADD 1 tablespoon of drippings back into skillet. Add the onions, garlic and thyme. Cook over medium-low heat 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are tender.

3. CRUMBLE the bacon into a small mixing bowl and add the onion mixture, preserves and vinegar. Mix well.

5. ARRANGE the Brussels sprouts cut-side up on a serving plate or board. Top with bacon jam.