Amidst the checkout chaos of paying for groceries with my 4 and almost 2-year olds, I started envisioning a naturally-dyed green jelly roll cake in the shape of a shamrock. And voilà! Here we are a few days before St. Patrick’s Day and my brainstorm image has come to life. You can enjoy your jelly roll in individual slices or arrange three slices per plate to make a festive St. Paddy’s shamrock.
Dress up your baked potato (or sweet potato/yam) with an assortment of veggies to make an edible Mr. {Baked} Potato Head. This edible art project is fun for all ages and allows kids to play with healthy foods.
I know what you’re thinking: spinach or beet juice in my buttercream frosting?! Yuck! But you will be amazed at how you don’t even taste them, especially with the small quantities being used. As far as I’m concerned, I would much rather have my family consume a little spinach, beet or other natural dye than a chemically-produced version.
Appreciate the vivid colors and natural beauty of fruits, vegetables and spices: dye your Easter eggs with everyday foods rather than boxes of chemical colorings. This is a great family project and learning experience. Though it will take a little more planning than your basic Easter egg dye kit, I think you will find the extra time well worth it. Even though I’m a “grown-up,” I felt a child-like excitement watching the eggs turn colors in bowls of cabbage, spinach, blueberries and more!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
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