A Pie for Leprechauns

[20 Minutes]

There are many ways to celebrate St. Patrick‘s Day. The holiday honors the Irish priest, St. Patrick, also known as the patron saint of Ireland. The people of Ireland celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a very grand way. In 1995, the St. Patrick’s Day festival was created. This is a four day festival held in Dublin, which includes a grand parade, dance and music performances, lots of food, crafts, and fireworks. This festival is the largest celebration in Ireland. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in your own way and enjoy this green pie.

You'll need:

• ready-make graham cracker crumbs • 1/2 stick margarine • 1 pkg. lime gelatin • 1 cup boiling water • 1 pint lime sherbet • 1/2 cup whipping cream • green gumdrops • pie pan • measuring cups • large mixing bowl • mixing spoon

What to do:

1. If possible, print out these directions. Read them through with your child before you begin.
2. With your child, gather everything you'll need.
3. Help him melt the margarine in a microwave.
4. Let your child put the crumbs in a bowl and add the margarine. Mix well.
5. Invite him to use clean fingers to press the crumb mixture into the pie pan. Cover the bottom and sides.
6. Let him put the gelatin into a large bowl.
7. Add boiling water.
8. Stir with a mixing spoon until dissolved. Add lime sherbet. Stir until blended with gelatin.
9. Let your child mix the whipping cream into gelatin-sherbet mixture. Mix well.
10. Invite him to pour this into the pie pan.
11. Refrigerate overnight.
12. Let your child decorate the top of the pie with green gumdrops.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• Why do you think the color green is so important on St. Patrick's Day?
• What does the pie taste like to you?
• What other green foods could we serve on St. Patrick's Day?