Green Week: Leprechaun Lunch

Every year, a mischievous little leprechaun comes to our home on St. Patrick's Day, and takes over the kitchen while I'm making lunch. I never see the sly little guy, but every time I turn my back, he colors all our food green! The kids love these visits from him, but taking that first bite of green Mac n Cheese seems to be a leap of faith for them...and me!

You will need a full bottle of green food coloring. Depending on how green you want your food, and how much food you want to dye, you may or may not use the entire thing. But trust me, one of the small squeeze bottles will not cut it!

Make Jello Jigglers the night before. I used lime because it is already green. Go here for Jiggler directions.

For green Mac n Cheese I just use Kraft. I dye the water green, really green, to boil. This dyes the noodles, helping when I add the cheese. Make it following the directions on the box. Having green noodles isn't enough to get the full effec,t so I also add food coloring once it is made. I stir in a lot of food coloring. Every year I do this I forget how much it takes, and am surprised every time.

Green Rice Krispie Treats are simple. Use your favorite recipe for these. I like the one on the box:
3 T Butter or Margarine
1 Package (10 oz) Regular Marshmallows, or 4 c Miniature Marshmallows
6 c Rice Krispies

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Don't overcook or the treats will be hard.
2. Add in green food coloring. Dye it as green as you like. Remember, the cereal will make it lighter so once you have it as dark as you like, add a little more.
3. Add rice krispie cereal. Stir until well coated.
4. Using a buttered spatula or wax paper, evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray.

You can find this recipe as well as microwave instructions here.

I added green grapes, green yogurt, and green Pringles on the side. (I'm not sure if they make green Pringles anymore. They were guacamole flavored.) Hawaiian Punch sells a green Berry Punch. Even though Sprite is clear, it comes in a green can/bottle and would fit the part as well.

Last of all, the Leprechaun even shared some of his gold coins. Some had chocolate, and others had bubble gum. Even though he is naughty, and colors our lunch green, he is still very sweet!