Lucy Karimi ’27
Kylie Manuel ‘27
EE Staff Writers
Some of my favorite memories growing up have come from being in the kitchen with my grandparents, even during just random baking days. It was never anything super complex or crazy, just treats we would love to eat. Although the foods aren’t the memories I remember the most. My grandparents aren’t my neighbors and they don’t live down the street, so when we do get to meet up with them we always have to make some desserts. Sometimes we would bake together in person, and other times on the phone. As I got older, we started to make less and less treats, which made the treats that we did make even more special.
Lately I have begun to realize it was never really about the food, no matter how delicious it tasted, but about the time I spent with my grandparents. Something so simple as Rice Krispies caused so many fun memories, with our time spent together. My grandparents make moments like this stand out for me.
Do you have a last minute Saint Patrick’s Day party and need to bring a dessert? We can help! These are easy to make at home with things already found in your kitchen. This is a fun idea to do with friends or family and can celebrate Saint Patrick, leprechauns, and rainbows- below is how to make three great treats. These recipes were approved by me and my grandparents and are ones we actually enjoy making. They are simple fun and something anyone can do, maybe with the help of a grandma. It is not about making them perfect but about making some green memories. Enjoy :)).
St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops
For the Cake Pops:
1 baked cake (vanilla, chocolate, or funfetti)
½ cup buttercream or cream cheese frosting
12 oz white chocolate or green candy melts
12 oz dark or milk chocolate
1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening (if needed, to thin chocolate)
For Decoration:
Green and white candy melts (for drizzling)
Green and gold sprinkles
Edible glitter or sanding sugar
Shamrock-shaped sugar decorations
Cake pop sticks or striped paper straws
Baking Instructions:
First, crumble the cake into smaller crumbs in a large mixing bowl. Add frosting a little at a time and mix until dough forms a dough-like consistency. Roll into 1inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then freeze for 15-20 minutes until firm but not frozen.
Coating the Cake Pops:
Melt white and dark chocolate or candy melts in separate bowls. If too thick, add coconut oil or shortening to thin it out. Then dip the tip of a cake pop stick into the melted chocolate, then insert into a cake ball. Dip the entire cake pop into the chocolate, letting excess drip off.
Place upright in a foam block or on parchment paper to set. For Decorating: Drizzle with green and white candy melts for a festive look. Sprinkle with gold beads or sanding sugar while still wet. Press on shamrock decorations or edible glitter. Let cake pops set completely before serving. Recipe inspiration and image courtesy: https://familyrecipeideas.com/st-patricks-day-cake-pops/
Making cake pops is one of those things that seems harder than it actually is and it usually turns out a little bit messy. But honestly that is the fun part, this is the kind of recipe I remember helping with at such a young age, I would help roll the cake pops and even decorate the chocolate. Now flash forward to junior year, I made these same cake pops with my grandparents and rolled the cake pops and decorated them the same way.
Lucky Charms Marshmallow Treats
Ingredients
3 tablespoons of butter
1 package (10 oz., about 40) JET-PUFFED Marshmallows
(5-1/2 cups of miniature or 1 package jet puffed)
6 cups Lucky Charm cereal
Saucepan Instructions:
In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. 2. Add Lucky Charms cereal. Stir until every piece is well coated with marshmallow. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray or parchment paper. Let it cool for 15-20 minutes. Cut into 2-inch squares.
Microwave Instructions:
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Add Lucky Charms cereal. Stir until every piece is well coated with marshmallow. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray or parchment paper. Let it cool for 15-20 minutes. Cut into 2-inch squares. Best if served the same day.
Recipe inspiration and image from here.
Best if served the same day.
Lucky charms treats are pretty simple, which makes them perfect for any last minute plans. I recently called my grandma and made these with her. We were both going to St. Patrick’s day parties with our friends and thought these would be perfect. They turned out super well and both parties enjoyed them.
Shamrock Pretzel Treats
Ingredients
10 pretzel sticks
30 mini pretzel twists
10 Rolo candies (chocolate caramel)
10 green M&Ms (or any green chocolate candy)
If more necessary just double recipe
Instructions
First preheat the oven to 250°F and line a tray with parchment paper. Use 1 pretzel stick as the stem, then add 3 pretzel twists at the top to look like leaves. Then add the chocolate, put 1 Rolo in the center where the pretzels connect, in order to help hold them together. Following this put the tray in the oven for about 2 minutes or until the chocolate softens. Immediately following removal from the oven press a green M&M into each Rolo. Push it down a little so it spreads and holds the pretzels together. Freeze them for about 30 minutes, then enjoy!
The special thing about these treats is everyone can design them on their own, they are more personalized and different than the other treats above. Some Shamrocks are
4 leaf some are 3 leaf some might even be 2 leaf. With these personalized options bakers can make them however they choose.
Recipe inspiration and photo here.
These recipes are not just about the baking desserts but about the memories that come from making them. From baking with your grandparents, friends or siblings, it’s the time spent together that really matters. They don’t need to be complicated but these recipes can help create memorable moments. These small traditions and memories can stick with you overtime. Hopefully these treats help you celebrate Saint Patrick Day in a fun and meaningful way and maybe even start some newer memories of your own. Enjoy!!