5 Playful, Last-Minute St. Patrick’s Day Treats

Meghan Splawn
Meghan Splawn
Meghan was the Food Editor for Kitchn's Skills content. She's a master of everyday baking, family cooking, and harnessing good light. Meghan approaches food with an eye towards budgeting — both time and money — and having fun. Meghan has a baking and pastry degree, and spent the…read more
published Mar 17, 2017
pinterest
comments
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
(Image credit: Lauren Volo)

St. Patrick’s Day is often associated with eating corned beef and colcannon, and drinking dark beer, but if you’re looking for a light-hearted way to celebrate the day that doesn’t require much preparation, we’ve got a series of treats for you. The goal behind this series was to create fun, easy-to-make treats that would help parents (or really anyone) do something festive on St. Patrick’s Day. From a bright-green lemonade to mint chocolate puppy chow, here are a few ideas.

(Image credit: Lauren Volo)

Why We All Need Last-Minute St. Patrick’s Day Treats

St. Patrick’s Day began as an Irish day of feasts in honor of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick, but has become a global celebration of any and all things Irish. Decorating with shamrocks, wearing green, and celebrating the luck of the Irish (represented with rainbows and leprechauns) are often hallmarks of these celebrations.

As a parent, I find these “minor holidays” can be a fun way to deviate from our daily routine, but I’m often too pressed for time to whip up corned beef (and I’m not so sure my kids would enjoy it if I did). Maybe this year you’re giving up meat for Lent or abstaining from alcohol as St. Patrick’s Day comes around, but still want a way to celebrate without going all in. We’ve come up with five recipes that use common grocery store ingredients, but are fun to make, eat, and serve.

(Image credit: Lauren Volo)

Classic Treats with a St. Patrick’s Day Twist

The recipes here are simple enough that you probably know their classic proportions by heart. Rice Krispies treats, popcorn, and lemonade can become special with a twist.

  • Swap the Rice Krispies cereal with Lucky Charms in your favorite crispy treat recipe and you have an after-school treat that is festive and fun.
  • Add a little blue raspberry drink mix to your favorite lemonade and give it a fun name (in this case, Leprechaun Lemonade) and you have a non-alcoholic drink that everyone can enjoy.
  • Turn the ubiquitous Shamrock Shake into a Popsicle that is easy to make and share.
  • Dust freshly popped popcorn with matcha and dark chocolate for a more sophisticated treat you could take to a grown-up party too.
Filed in:
irish
St Patrick's Day
Tips & Techniques