Taste Of The Irish: 8 Things To Serve For St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day is this Tuesday and while you're most likely not going to be setting up a pancake kegger in your driveway, (and if you are, we're not judging, we're just jealous that we aren't invited), it's still a fun holiday to celebrate. For many, especially when the day falls in the middle of the week, marking the occasion usually involves wearing green and maybe enjoying a green beer or two. But this year, why not get a little more creative with your festivities? Below is a list of fun treats and savory snacks to help you get in the Irish spirit.

1. Taste the Rainbow - Yes, St. Patrick's Day has a lot to do with green, but the whole rainbow is important too! How else will you find your gold?

Image via Teach Mama

2. Lucky Charms Rice Krispies - Two breakfast cereals combine to make one seriously delicious and adorable snack! Plus, it's gluten-free!

Image via Classy Clutter

3. Shamrockin' Quiche - Doesn't this look scrumptious? It doesn't have to be all sweets on St. Patrick's Day. Irish-up your dinner; we're sure no one will complain!

Image via Diamonds For Dessert

4. Guinness & Baileys Jell-O Shots - For many adults, Guinness is a quintessential part of St. Patrick's Day. But this year, instead of just having a pint, try this fun twist!

Image via Brit + Co

5. Gooey Green Cheesecake - Fresh mint packs a punch when it comes to the flavors and color of this cheesecake!

Image via Cooking Channel TV

6. Luck of the Pizza - Turning green peppers into shamrocks is such a fun idea, and who can resist a mini pizza?

Image via Blissfully Domestic

7. Shamrock Smoothie - Yes, Shamrock Shakes are delicious, but are they good for you? Enjoy a guilt-free version of everyone's favorite shake with this smoothie alternative. Same great taste, not nearly the same amount of calories.

Image via Homeketeers

8. Somewhere Over the Rainbow Donut - These rainbow donuts are a dream come true!

Image via The First Year Cooking & Creating

We hope you and yours have a fabulously fun St. Patrick's day free of pinches and full of luck!

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Ready, Set, Shop: Smoothies To Help You Survive Holiday Shopping

Retailers all over North America are having their biggest sales of the year this weekend. Although many stores are generously staying closed for Thanksgiving Day itself, this positive shift in priorities is not expected to take away from the madness that is Black Friday. If you’re planning on hitting the sales with the best of them, then you’ve got to be prepared – and no, we’re not just talking about wearing comfortable shoes. Shopping in that kind of environment with such a high volume of eager consumers requires some serious stamina and dedication. You’ve got to be ready to run, jump, and stand for hours on end. To help keep you in top physical and festive shape for tomorrow, we’ve got a list of holiday smoothies for you to try. Get your blend on first thing tomorrow and enjoy these seasonal, healthy beverages that are sure to help keep you going from morning to night.

1. Sugar Cookie Protein Shake - You'll be glad you had this smoothie when you see a pair of shoes at 40% off that you've got to have...and they're the last ones on the shelf!

Image via Complete Recipes (provided by DolceLover)

2. Dairy-Free Eggnog Protein Shake - Have a dairy allergy? We've got you covered. Get the protein you need without feeling sick.

Image via Undressed Skeleton

3. Pumpkin Nog - This beverage is less of a meal replacer, but it's very tasty and full of fiber and vitamin A.

Image via The Green Forks

4. Cranberry & Rosemary Juice - Getting up really early in the morning (way earlier than you're used to) and drinking something viscous doesn't agree with everyone. And that's ok. So we included this delicious and powerful cranberry juice. Chalk full of vitamin C and antioxidants it'll keep you going all day.

Image via In Sonnet's Kitchen

Vegan & Gluten-Free

5. Peppermint Hot Chocolate - Although this is more a treat and less of a smoothie, it is vegan and gluten-free so we thought it was a good idea to keep it on the list. Make a batch early in the morning, throw it in a thermos, and take it to go. We think it'd be perfect for a late afternoon pick-me-up as the day begins to wear on you.

Image via Minimalist Baker

Vegan & Gluten-Free

6. Gingerbread Smoothie - Loads of vitamins, vegetables, and protein. Tastes just like a cookie. What an amazing way to start a day of holiday shopping!

Image via F For The Family

Vegan Modifications Available

If you're getting up early for Black Friday shopping, we've got to ask: how early is early? Who are you buying for? Will you get the majority of your gifts at these sales? Let us know below!

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