My husband is 100% Irish and enjoys St. Patty’s Day every year with some Guinness in an Irish Pub and some traditional Irish music. Since our girls were born, he entertains them by speaking like a Leprechaun from sun up to sun down. It’s good for a day of giggles. I have some Irish in me as well (I’m not a full breed like my other half, but I can get my Irish on!) My contribution is in the kitchen and the classroom. Here is a simple, fun recipe for “Irish Potatoes” (! It’s a surprise, they’re not really Potatoes, they’re candy!)

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (use regular cream cheese, not whipped or reduced fat)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (16 ounce) packages confectioners’ sugar
• 7 ounces sweetened flaked coconut 2 1/2 cups)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 20-30 pieces of candy

Directions

1. 1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese.
   2. Add vanilla and confectioners’ sugar.
   3. Stir in coconut with a spoon.
   4. Beat until mixture forms a ball
   5. Roll the mixture between your hands to form small potato-shaped candies or roll into small balls
   6. Place cinnamon in a shallow dish and roll the balls in it.
   7. Balls on a cookie sheet and chill for about 1 hour or until firm.

Tips for the Classroom:

• Double or quadruple recipe according to the # of little lassies and lads you are working with.
• IMPORTANT: have children wash their hands before and after this activity! I always bring baby wipes with me for easy clean up of hands and work surface.
• Purchase small cups and spoon the mixture into a cup for each child (enough for each child to roll 1/2 dozen “potatoes”
• Put a piece of wax paper on each child’s desk or work space
• Have the children form their own balls
• Have them roll in the cinnamon bowl (this should be supervised by an adult!)
• Choose a fun way to display theirs. You can purchase candy wrappers at your local craft store (as pictured) or place them in a sandwich bag and tie with a green bow.

An Irish Blessing:

May your joys be as deep as the oceans

Your troubles as light as its foam

And may you find sweet peace of mind

Wherever you may roam.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Little Leprechauns at Baby Be Hip (There are a few of us…)