By Linda Arceo
Aside from leaving a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, leprechauns are also known to be a bit mischievous; playing tricks on all those they meet. Want to get into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day in your house? Here is a list of quick and simple leprechaun tricks to surprise your family on St. Patrick’s Day that require little to no prep time, minor expense and zero crafting.
Go Green
When it comes to St. Patrick’s Day, green food coloring is your best friend. Begin your morning by adding green food coloring to your toilet water for a fun bathroom surprise. Or, add green food coloring to tint your milk or drinking water and leave it waiting in the refrigerator. (Bonus tip: adults ages 21 years or older can also use food coloring to turn their favorite lager-style beer green). You can also add green food coloring to your bath water, or pick up a green bath bomb or green fizzy bath tabs for an added trick.
Make a Mischievous Mess
There’s a leprechaun on the loose and he is causing one big mess. Turn your furniture upside down, hide important objects, like remote controls, cell phones and favorite toys, and empty drawers and trash cans — all while blaming that mischievous leprechaun.
Green Eats
Reach for your green food coloring again and have your leprechaun whip up some green foods for St. Patrick’s Day. Make green waffles, pancakes or scrambled eggs. You can also use food coloring in ice cream and milkshakes, cheese sauces (like green Mac ’n Cheese), mashed potatoes, popcorn, cakes, cookies and frosting.
Store-bought green treats include green fruits (apples, grapes, honeydew, kiwi) and green vegetables, Jello, pistachio pudding and green M&Ms. You can also contact your local bakery for green bagels or green muffins.
Go for the Gold
Gold coins have become symbolic of St. Patrick’s Day. Pick up a bag of chocolate gold coin candies from your favorite candy shop or corner store for a sweet surprise. Leave them scattered around the house and go on a hunt for gold. Of course, you can’t find a pot of gold without a rainbow. Be sure to pick up a box of your favorite marshmallow treat cereal and leave it as a treat for your leprechaun.
In the spirit of keeping things simple for St. Patrick’s Day, make a batch of these no-bake lucky marshmallow treats for an extra sweet Paddy’s day dessert.
Lucky Marshmallow Treats
Yields 16 squares
Cook Time: 10 mins
Ingredients:
- Cooking Spray
- 6 TBS butter
- 1 (10 ounces) package of mini marshmallows (about 4 cups)
- 2 cups marshmallow cereal, like Lucky Charms
- 4 cups crisp rice cereal, like Rice Krispies
Instructions:
Coat an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat (or in microwave).
Quickly stir in marshmallows and stir thoroughly until melted.
Add cereals and gently fold into melted marshmallow-butter mixture. Stir until cereal is completely coated.
Transfer mixture into prepared baking pan. Lightly press mixture into an even layer.
Cool at room temperature for about an hour.
Cut into 2-inch squares and serve with green milk (optional)
Store leftovers in air-tight container for up to 5 days.
Linda Arceo is the owner and content creator behind the food, drink and travel blog Giggles, Gobbles and Gulps. Linda is a digital influencer and freelance writer focusing on food, travel, lifestyle and culinary tourism. Linda’s blog can be found at www.gigglesgobblesandgulps.com and you can follow her on Instagram at @GigGobGulp.
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