There is nothing like a special occasion to get children exciting about being in the kitchen. They love to be creative and to experiment with food, tastes and textures. St. Patrick's Day is a natural draw for children, with the colors and food associated with this very "green" day.Here are several easy recipe ideas to get you started cooking with your kids, whether in the classroom or in your own home kitchen:
1. Finger Jello. Children love the texture of finger jello, and the brilliant colors and tastes make it even more appealing. You can make various colors and cut the finished jello slabs into cubes, or you can simply use cookie cutters to make it even more interesting. The most important thing is the use of less water and extra unflavored gelatin to get the right result.
Finger Jello Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 (1 tablespoon) packages Knox geletin
- 1 (6 ounce) package Jell-O (green and orange are perfect for St. Paddy's Day)
- 2 ½ cups water
Directions
- Dissolve unflavored gelatin in one cup of cold water to soften. Set aside
- In saucepan, bring one cup of water to a boil and add Jell-O. Bring back to a boil and then remove from heat
- Add gelatin mixture to hot Jell-O mixture. Stir and add 1/2 c cold water
- Pour into a pan sprayed with cooking spray, or alternately, lined with plastic wrap. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in fridge until solid.
- Cut into squares or use cookie cutters to make interesting shapes
2. Cupcakes and Cookies. Children love "baking," whether it's from scratch or from a box. For ease of preparation, simply follow directions on your favorite cake mix package to prepare cupcakes; for cookies, slice and bake sugar cookies are ideal. To decorate: tint canned frosting green with a few drops of food coloring and a touch of peppermint extract, if desired. Children can spread on the icing and then add their own sprinkles, tiny gummy candies, Mike & Ike's and perhaps a piece of chocolate "gold" as decorations. Simply fun to prepare.
3. Beverages. Children are fascinated with bubbles and blenders, so here are 2 drink ideas (with extra suggestions) easy enough for most children to prepare.
- Mint floats. Children can scoop ice cream (vanilla or mint) or lime sherbet into a large glass and pour either cold club soda or sprite over the top. Add a maraschino cherry on top and a thick straw and you have the perfect fountain drink.
- The Luck of the Irish Milkshake. Place 2 c vanilla ice cream into a blender. Pour 1 c of limeade (or 1/2 c lime concentrate and 1/2 c water) and 1c of milk into the blender and turn to "smoothie" setting. If you prefer to use chocolate ice cream, add 1-2 tsp peppermint extract and milk to create chocolate mint-shakes. A few drops of green food coloring add to the effect.
4. Green Lime Pie. Purchase a pre-made chocolate or plain graham wafer pie crust. Remove top plastic dome. In a bowl, place 1/2 container of lime concentrate, 1 can sweetened condensed milk and 1 small container of Cool Whip. Mix all together with a wooden spoon. Pile into pie crust and replace plastic top before placing in the freezer. Freeze for at least 4 hours. Remove 10-15 minutes before serving to make slicing easier. Children love to make this pie and really enjoy the result. For fun, they can crush some chocolate graham crackers or mint-filled Oreo type cookies and sprinkle them on top before placing in the freezer. [Hint: Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies work very well for this recipe!]
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