April 22 - National Jelly Bean Day

As many of you know, today is Earth day. I can’t think of a more deserving thing to celebrate than the Earth. It does so many things for us. I feel it is our responsibility to celebrate the Earth in our own little way everyday by trying to be more considerate of our planet. With that said, Earth day is a very big topic in all forms of media. Therefore today I am going to focus on another celebration, the celebration of Jelly Bean day.

The jelly bean had one of it’s biggest debuts during the American Civil War due to William Schrafft who encouraged sending the candy to soldiers in the Union Army. Due to its egg like shape, the jelly bean became a popular Easter treat in the 1930’s. Before the popularity of the jelly bean candy. In the 1910s and early 1920s the word "Jelly bean" was a description of a young man who dressed very stylishly to attract women. Most jelly beans are sold in a variety of about eight fruit flavors consisting of cherry, orange, lemon, lime, blueberry, licorice and cotton candy. If you would like a larger selection of bean, you can always check out Jelly Belly Jelly Beans. They have many flavors to chose from. I must mention them because they are my little sister’s favorite candy. (love ya sis!)

What is your color? Game

This is a simple, yet fun game for older children.

What to do:

Place Jelly Beans in a bowl. Make sure there are several of each color. Next tell each person to pick out their favorite color of Jelly Bean. After everyone has selected a color, have them tell you what color they picked and read to them the corresponding information.

Red is the color of strength, health, and vitality. If they picked the red bean, it means they are outgoing, aggressive, vigorous and impulsive

Orange is the color of luxury and pleasure, If they picked the orange bean, it means they tend to be a flamboyant and fun-loving person who likes a lively social crowd around them.

Yellow is the color of happiness, wisdom and imagination, If they picked the yellow bean, it means they are mentally adventurous, searching for novelty and self-fulfillment.

Green is the color of harmony and balance, Green symbolizes hope, renewal and peace. If they picked the green bean, it means they are gentle and sincere.

Blue is the color of deliberation and introspection, conservatism and duty. If they picked the blue bean, it means they like to be admired for their steady character and wisdom.

Black is the color of being dignified and impressive without being showy. If they picked the black bean, it means they want to give the appearance of mystery.

White is the color of purity and innocence. If they picked the white bean, it means they desire simplicity or the simple life.

Pink is the color of the gentler qualities of red, symbolizing love and affection without passion. If they picked the pink bean, it means they tend to be maternal.

Jelly Bean Game by the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

What You'll Need:

3 foam egg cartons

Bottle cap

Tape

Red, yellow, and green jelly beans

2 plastic spoons

What to do:

Wash and dry the egg cartons and the bottle cap. Cut the tops and flaps off the egg cartons. Tape the egg cartons together, side by side the long way. When finished, you should have egg cups that are 6 rows across and 6 rows deep. Put a jelly bean in each egg cup -- mix the colors randomly. Mark a starting line on the table with tape -- about 2 feet away. Holding the bottom of the spoon with your right hand on the table (left, if you are left-handed), put the bottle cap into the bowl of the spoon and press down. Try to flip the bottle cap into an egg cup. If it lands in an egg cup, you get to keep the jelly bean from that cup. Red jelly beans are worth 10 points, yellow jelly beans are worth 5 points, and green jelly beans are worth 1 point.When all the jelly beans have been won, count them up, and see who has the most points. If you eat the jelly beans before the game is over, you lose the points!

Jelly Bean Frames

What you need:
Clear acrylic or wooden picture frames
Jelly Beans
Craft glue or Tacky glue

What to do:
Use the glue to attach the candy around the edges of the frame. Then place a favorite snapshot in the frame and enjoy.

Jelly Beans are tasty to eat by themselves, but if you want a creative way to eat them, try these recipes.


Jelly Bean Fudge by Elizabeth LaBau, About.com

Ingredients:
2 cups (12 oz) white chocolate chips
2 cups jelly beans
1 (16 oz) can vanilla frosting
1 tsp rum extract
1 tsp coconut extract

Directions:
Line an 8-inch square cake pan with aluminum foil. Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second increments until melted, stirring each time. Next stir in the extracts and the vanilla frosting, and mix until well-combined. Allow to sit and cool for several minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of jelly beans. Stir the rest into the fudge, and spread the fudge in the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the reserved beans on top of the fudge, pressing them lightly into the top. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour.


BIRD NEST COOKIES

Ingredients:
12 oz. pkg. butterscotch chips

1/3 c. peanut butter

1 (5 oz.) can Chinese chow mien noodles, chopped
Jelly Beans

Directions:
Melt butterscotch chips and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second increments until melted, stirring each time. Mix in the noodles. Roll mixture into something that resembles a ball. Place onto wax paper and use a spoon to press a small hole in the middle of each cookie. Refrigerate until hardened. Keep refrigerated. Before serving place 3 jelly beans in each nest.