In the days leading up to March 17 I love to serve up simple treats as a prelude to the big holiday celebration! And since the name Hanrehan has an Irish ring…St. Patrick’s Day and it’s festivities have long been tradition in our home! One of my favorite things to do is prepare an Irish inspired breakfast each March 17th to start the morning in St. Paddy’s Day style! Even though it’s probably not the first “green” meal we’ve enjoyed during the month, it would be very unlucky for my kids if they didn’t awaken to something special on the actual holiday! And since there’s a 5 out of 7 chance that this day will fall on a school morning…it’s a bonus to serve up something simple! Today I’ll share what I’m preparing for this year’s holiday morning that promises to be easy, inexpensive, and can be made ahead–making your morning lucky too! Whether you’re Irish or not…let your family wake this holiday to a shamrock inspired breakfast!
let your little leprechauns have a lucky morning!
an easy breakfast that’s simple, healthy… and green!
Load a tray with yogurt parfaits served with milk & tiny honey cookies…best part–everything was made ahead for quick assembly in the morning!
for an Irish breakfast something’s gotta be green…hello food coloring!
wilton leaf green is a great shade for mixing. i used a combo of greek vanilla and greek honey yogurt but any flavor without color will work! mix it–pour it–save it! i used ball jars with resealable lids so i could keep them in the fridge until ready to serve!
milk & morning cookies…
These mini, honey waffle cookies (found at Walmart) are a favorite of my boys and they’re easy to pierce since they’re semi soft. I used a hard plastic straw to create the hole. Store them in a baggie and they’ll be ready for the milk in the morning!
thread onto a shamrock straw for a sweet topper!
(of course, this part is optional…mini doughnuts would be cute too or skip the sugar on top entirely!)
for the sprinkles…
granola is dressed up with mini shamrocks & pots of gold! everyone recognizes this one…
this holiday version is full of perfect marshmallow treats for the Irish parfaits!
you can buy granola in the store but if you want to try my simple recipe…
1/2 container whole oats
1/2 c. to 1c. slivered almonds
1/2c. wheat germ (optional)
pour these ingredients into a deep sided pan & set aside
in a sauce pan mix:
1/3c. brown sugar
1/3c. canola oil
1/3c. maple syrup
bring to a boil stirring constantly. remove from heat and pour over oatmeal mixture. stir until all the dry mix is slightly coated.
bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes. remove and stir. repeat, baking another 15-20 minutes or until oats are golden and almonds are browned. cool and add 1/2c. dried cranberries or other dried fruit (optional). store in an air-tight container
whether you bake it or buy it…keep granola on hand for quick parfaits at the drop of a hat! add some shamrock mallows and it’s fit for any lucky leprechaun…
an urn with ivy makes a great centerpiece…with a tiny guest peeking through the leaves!
so when the alarm rings on St. Patrick’s Day morn, top your milk bottles & grab the yogurt from the fridge–
line it up on a tray…
