Easy Earth Day Recipes

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

22 Apr 2009 09:32 AM

Today is Earth Day; time to celebrate all things green and recyclable. What better way to honor the planet than to create some delicious dishes that showcase Mother Nature at her best?

The following simple recipes are ideal to make with kids:

EDIBLE EARTH DAY WORM GARDEN

Ingredients:

1 (16-ounce) bag Oreos or other chocolate sandwich cookies

2 cups cold milk

1 (4-ounce) package chocolate instant pudding

1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip

1/2 pound gummy worms

Clean glass flowerpot or vase

Plastic wrap

Plastic flower

Directions:

Place the cookies in the food processor and pulse.

Pour cold milk and pudding mix into a bowl and beat it with a hand mixer or whisk for two minutes. Let pudding stand for about five minutes until set.

Stir in the Cool Whip and half of the crushed cookies.

Line pot or vase with plastic wrap.

Add the pudding mixture to the pot, and then push the gummy worms into the pudding along the sides so they show through the glass. Save a few worms to garnish the top.

Place remaining cookie crumbs on top of the pudding.

Put a few of the gummy worms in the crumbs so it looks like they're crawling out of the dirt.

Wrap the end of the flower in plastic wrap and stick it in the pot.

HEALTHY TRAIL MIXES

MONKEY MIX

Ingredients:

2 cups peanuts

1 cup chocolate morsels

1 cup shredded coconut

1/2 cup banana chips

Directions:

Mix ingredients together and place in airtight storage container.

CEREAL MIX

Ingredients:

1 cup peanuts

2 cups mini-pretzels

1/2 cup Wheat Chex cereal

1/2 cup Rice Chex cereal

1 teaspoon onion powder

2 tablespoons peanut oil

Directions:

Mix ingredients well and store in airtight container.

FRUIT AND NUTS MIX

Ingredients:

1 cup dried apricot pieces

1 cup raisins

1/2 cup dried pineapple

1/2 cup shredded coconut

1/2 cup walnuts

1/2 cup almonds

1 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Place ingredients in a mixing bowl and toss gently to mix.

Store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Take trail mixes on family hikes or on picnics for instant energy.

Related Articles:

Fun Earth Day Activities

Green Recipes for Earth Hour

"Price is Right" Goes Green

How Green is Too Green?

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger