Tuesday, March 15, 2011

St. Pat's is Comin'

It's time to pull out a bit 'o green to wear. Or you just might get pinched.

Little leprechauns try to pull off shenanigans in our kitchen each year. Our milk always seems to turn green on March 17, and last year even the eggs were green.

Breakfast Burrito with Green Eggs and Ham, and green milk.

A couple years ago we made some traps to catch the little blighters, but they've always managed to escape. We loved the ideas in Family Fun on how to make Leprechaun Traps. The kids liked it so much they made traps again last year, all on their own. As good as the traps were, the kids failed once again to catch those tricksters.


The leprechaun left little notes on the traps

and gold-wrapped candy on their pillows.


He also left some clues around our house and yard to help us find a yummy treasure!




With all the fun headed your way, you might want to pull out your crock pot and throw together cozy Irish Stew that can cook all day and be ready when you are. A crusty loaf of Irish Soda Bread goes well with this stew. Soda breads are simple to make and don't require bread pans to bake! Just form a round loaf with your dough on a baking sheet and pop it in the oven and bake according to the recipe.

End your meal with light and airy Shamrock Cookies.

Shamrock Cookies
3 egg whites (have eggs at room temperature for better peaks when mixing)
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Pinch salt
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Green food coloring (optional)

Directions:
1. In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Sprinkle with cream of tartar and salt; beat until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and vanilla, beating until stiff peaks form, about 5-8 minutes. If desired, fold in green food coloring.
2. Spoon mixture into a plastic zip-top bag. Twist the bag to push the mixture to one side and snip off a corner of the bag. Pipe shamrock shapes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 275 degrees F for 20 minutes or until firm to the touch. Immediately remove to a wire rack to cool. Store in an airtight container.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

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