Editor’s note: This is part of the Daily Collegian’s St. Patrick’s Day special issue.

With Saint Patrick’s Day brings great celebrations: Parades, parties and festive gatherings; it’s a time for drinking and merriment.

As with any celebration, tasty drinks and even better food are essential to taking the festivities to their fullest potential. However, as a student constantly bombarded, one is cautious about what they eat. Not to worry. Here are a few tasty, guilt-free treats to try this holiday.

Chocolate covered pretzels

This recipe is simple and easy, and it tastes so good. The real kicker, though, is that it’s an equally delicious morsel when you substitute the usually sugar-filled chocolate syrup for a zero-calorie version, which is available at most supermarkets. What you’ll need:

– Salted pretzels

– Zero-calorie chocolate syrup

– Green and white sprinkles (optional)

Place all three ingredients in a separate bowl. Take your pretzels and dip them in the chocolate sauce. Afterwards, if you are so inclined, roll them in sprinkles. In mere seconds, you have chocolate covered pretzels.

Sour patch grapes

The natural sweetness of grapes mixed with the sour of lime Jell-O makes for a tasty snack, and it requires even fewer ingredients than our chocolate covered pretzels:

– White grapes

– Green (lime) gelatin powder

First, sprinkle your gelatin powder into a plastic bag to use for later. Next, rinse your grapes thoroughly. Place the wet grapes into the bag and shake it around until they are completely covered. The water will catch the green gelatin powder, causing it to stick. The result is a tart, fruity delight that makes a perfect chaser for your St. Paddy’s festivities.

Green Rice Krispies treats

Rice Krispies treats are a childhood classic. During holidays and as you get older, they remain a favorite among students, but can be changed depending on the holiday. Baking these brings back the fun of being a kid. You will need:

– 1/2 stick of butter (or butter substitute)

– 10-11 oz. mini marshmallows (naturally fat free!)

– One teaspoon vanilla extract

– Green food coloring

– Six cups Rice Krispies

Spray a 9-by-13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray. On the side, melt the butter and marshmallows in a large pan over low heat and stir frequently. Remove it from the heat and add the vanilla and food coloring. Add the rice cereal last and mix well. Then, evenly spread it throughout the pan and let it cool. You can cut them into squares or even a shamrock shape using a cookie cutter (or very steady hands) and serve. Enjoy!

There’s no harm in a little experimentation; it’s all part of having fun with the holiday. So go ahead and dye your food green, and let the celebrations begin.

Alexa Wilansky can be reached at [email protected].