A Blarney Good St. Patrick's Day

We did have a good time today.  The highlight most definitely from they day for both Olivia and Isaac was the Blarney Stone "treasure rocks" I had for them.  I made treasure rocks for Olivia's class last year, so I knew how much she loved this idea.  But, I really underestimated how much Isaac would enjoy the "find."  J 

What is a treasure rock anyway, you ask?  Well, these special "rocks" have small treasures hidden inside them.  The fortunate receiver can open the "rock" to discover a treasure within. 

Several nights ago I prepared this "treasure rock" recipe.

TREASURE ROCKS 

 

½ cup coffee grounds, used or instant  

½ cup sand 

½ cup salt 

1 cup flour 

1 cup water

  

Mix all the dry ingredients together.  Slowly add the water to make a stiff dough.  (Make sure to add the water in small amounts so as not to form a runny mixture.)  Knead dough to a smooth consistency.  Divide the dough into as many parts as you want “rocks.”  Flatten out each part and place small “treasures” in the middle.  Form the dough around the “treasure,” forming a ball or rock shape, completely concealing the “treasure.”  Place “rocks” on a cookie sheet and bake at 250° for 15 minutes, turn off oven, and leave in oven overnight.  After rocks are dry and cool, receiver can break open the “rock” to discover “treasures” inside.  

 

Notes:

•Make sure the “treasures” are able to withstand high temperatures (no plastic, candies, or chocolate).

•There are recipes out there saying you can air dry these, but I have always baked mine.

•I used instant coffee grinds this time and they turned out brown.  Last time I made the rocks with used coffee grounds and they turned out gray.

•More than likely you will not need the whole cup of water.  Make sure you are adding it in very small amounts.

Before giving "Treasure Blarney Stones" to Olivia and Isaac today I read to them about the Blarney Stone in Ireland and showed them pictures.  They thought it was silly that people WANT to kiss the stone.  Next, I told them that our special "Blarney Stones" had treasures within and that they needed to break the rocks open to reveal what was inside.  They had so much fun breaking apart their rocks and pulling out their "emerald treasures." I thought since today was all about St. Patrick and the "Emerald Isle," it only was fitting to have "emeralds" as our "treasures." 

After discovering all of the hidden "treasures," Olivia and Isaac set to work on polishing the "emeralds."  Little small bits of the rock recipe remained on the glass pieces that they felt needed to be removed.  And to be honest, it was the perfect finishing touch to brighten up our "emeralds" that helped decorate our dinner table tonight.  J

Tomorrow I'll share pictures and our menu from our St. Patrick's Day. 

Comments

[Dad]

What a fun activity! I know Olivia and Isaac really enjoyed finding the treasury located inside. I remember when your Mom and I visited and kissed the Blarney stone. Fond remembrances of a day gone by.

Dad

[Rachelle]

What a fun idea!! I have to try this with my 2.5 year old!!

[librarianism]

This is a fun idea. It would be neat to use this craft for a geology theme. Rocks and treasures are right up my alley. :)

[Emily]

Thanks for the idea! I teach 1st grade and the Blarney Stones were a hit. Such a economical and fun way to celebrate! This is awesome.