St. Patrick’s Day snacks: Shamrock shakes & leprechaun walking sticks

St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday that doesn’t require buying gifts or sending cards but it does include fun food and drink. Here are some kid-friendly St. Patrick’s Day snacks that will get everyone into a celebratory mood. Raise your glass to St. Patrick and the Emerald Isle, and this shamrock shake means all ages can join in.

Chocolate-dipped pretzels are easy to make and when I found some green sugar at the Target Dollar Spot, I got the idea for leprechaun walking sticks. I opted for the “Dipping Stick” size which are perfectly kid-sized. I had white chocolate chips on hand (extras from holiday baking) and so used those, thinking that the green would show up better on them. You could add food coloring to turn the chocolate green, if you wanted.

Leprechaun Walking Sticks Recipe

Ingredients:

Pretzel sticks (24 rods)
1 12 oz. bag white chocolate chips
green sprinkles

1. Place chocolate in microwave-safe bowl and microwave 1 minute, then stir with a spatula. If needed, microwave in additional 15 second increments, stirring each time.

2. Once chocolate is melted, dip a pretzel rod into the chocolate. I like to use a frosting spatula to smooth the chocolate out all around the portion of the pretzel that was dipped. You could also use a knife or a spoon. Do this over the bowl so the extra chocolate drips back in. Leave no chocolate behind!

3. Roll the chocolate portion of the pretzel in sprinkles.

4. Set on wax paper to set. I use my Silpat in place of wax paper and it works well, too.

Shamrock Shake Recipe

I love Shamrock Shakes but have read a few articles making me question those that come from McDonald’s. Turns out, they’re simple to make at home and my kiddo declares that they taste exactly the same, if not better.

Ingredients: