During the ICU’s Quiet Time hours yesterday, I figured a good way to utilize my time was to stroll through Target. My mom would have wanted that. Trust me, shopping is her cardio. And since I feel a bit helpless sitting in her room most days (unless I am playing her favorite gospel music and she opens her eyes to listen momentarily), shopping seemed like a great distraction. Little did I know that everything in that store reminded me of my mom. I strolled down the St Patrick’s Day and Easter aisles and found myself saying how my mom would love this, how she would totally have bought that. I even stopped at one point and laughed out loud. It hit me at that moment (though it was really no surprise) that I owe all of my holiday love to my mother. It’s all her fault, really. My mom has a this infectious joy for all celebrations and it must have been passed along in me because I find myself loving just as she had when I was growing up. Had she thought of it, she would have totally made these edible Surprise Leprechaun Hats with me as a kid.
It’s really comforting, actually, to able to continue to create and post during this time. It’s so cathartic and it’s a way that I can honor this beautiful human being who raised me to love and appreciate what she loved and appreciated, and who now lies almost lifeless in a hospital bed. I can hear her voice reacting to these edible Surprise Leprechaun Hats, saying, “Oh Cara, they’re so COOL. So Awesome, honey, so awesome.” (She uses cutesy words and loves using “cool” and “awesome” in every sentence possible). God, I love that woman; she is my ray of sunshine.
Surprise Leprechaun Hats
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 5 Leprechaun Hats 1x
Ingredients
- 5 gluten free ice cream cones
- all natural green food coloring
- 5 chocolate cookies (I used Enjoy Life’s cookies)
- 5 mini cookies (I used Home Free cookies)
- nondairy chocolate, melted
- orange-colored jelly beans (I used Surf Sweets)
- goodies of choice to stuff the insides of the hats with
Instructions
- in a small bowl, pour a couple of drops of green food coloring and add several drops of water to it. Using a clean, unused paint brush, coat the ice cream cones with the food coloring, evenly coating it. Allow 15 minutes to dry.
- Clean your paint brush and use to “paint” the melted chocolate along the cone.
- “Glue” the mini cookies with the melted chocolate to the cone/hat. Place in the freezer to set.
- Add your goodies to stuff inside the ice cream cone. “Glue” the large cookie to close up the hat with more melted chocolate. Allow to set again.
- “Glue” an orange jelly bean to the mini cookie.
- Have fun smashing open for a surprise treat!
Looking for more holiday-inspired Surprise Hat Ideas? Give these a try:
May we all hold our loved ones a little tighter today. Nothing is guaranteed and it’s a truth I am better understanding these past two and a half weeks. Make sure you say your “love you’s” at every moment you can. My mom did and because of that, I will never doubt her utterly flawless love for me.
Cara, I obviously don’t know your mom, but I can picture her: bright and vibrant and loving and smiling ?. She has been a beautiful gift to you and your family and friends! (I have one of those too! ?) I am praying for complete healing for her and comfort and endurance for you. Stay strong (most of the time) ?
Do you have a brand of food dye you recommend? Would the green dye from your book work?? I love it (the book) and use it all the time!!
Oh, Cara what a beautiful post! You are paying tribute to your mom each and every day on this blog! My thoughts are with you and your mom.
sending you big, big hugs Cara! I’ve been wondering how your mom is doing. I know it’s so hard to see her like that and feel helpless 🙁 She’ll be in my prayers <3
What a great testament to “Your biggest fan”. I always loved seeing her comments in your posts. These hats are so cool, so awesome! #kfc
Oh Cara, I’m still thinking of you and your sweet mother, every day! Your lovely creations bring joy to everyone and I’m sure your mother would love to see these adorable hats (also, jelly beans, for the win!). xoxoxo
Great idea for 17th!
★★★★★