Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Divinity Rice Krispy Treats


Oh my gosh, have I got a winner for you today. Get ready for this one people.

Divinity Rice Krispy Treats

My husband is out of town for work this week. I hate it when he's gone, not only because I miss him, but also because that means my standard of eating decreases about tenfold. Somehow graham crackers dipped in frosting becomes breakfast. Cereal is considered a totally well balanced meal. Peanut Butter gets spread on everything. Everything.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Egg Nog Rice Krispy Treats


Egg Nog Rice Krispy Treats

Today I am going to share a priceless piece of advice: Marry a good man.

My daughter is not a good sleeper. Have I ever mentioned this? She does her best to make sure my husband and I do not get our 8 hours every night. And to her credit she's pretty good at it.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Caramel Corn Rice Krispy Treats

Caramel Corn Rice Krispy Treats

So my husband has been on this diet the past few weeks. One of those kind where the meals are all planned out for you in nice individual servings, yada yada. He's lost weight on it and I'm really happy for him and everything... my only problem is that there's no one to eat rice krispy treats with me. Traitor. I mean I can't throw these things away, there are starving people in this world! When consulting the scale I’m pretty sure my marshmallow intake has gone up about 200%. These hips don’t lie people. Not only that but my holiday baking has been at an all time low. Ahhh... eating healthy. It's so hard. And I'm not even the one doing it.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Gingerbread Rice Krispy Treats

Do you ever waste a lot of time looking at recipes? Like a LOT of time? Because I do... on a daily basis.


Gingerbread Rice Krispy Treats

My little girl will go down for a nap and I'll have this mental list of all the things I want to get done in my hour of freedom. Cleaning, paying bills, organizing, etc, etc. Then I decide I'm going to "quickly" check my email first... next thing I know I hear crying and I realize I've spent the entire naptime online looking at recipes. Ahhh, again?... really Summer?

So Thanksgiving is coming up, which means I am wasting about double the amount of time looking at recipes. I'm not even bringing the turkey, yet I have 10 different variations currently bookmarked. I mean there is the basic salt and pepper but then we get into brining flavors, injection sauces, dry rubs, compound butters, glazes...

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Cherry Pie Rice Krispies


Cherry Pie Rice Krispy Treats

Can I tell you about one of the downfalls of my marriage? Pie. Yes, the classic, all-American fruit pie. My husband doesn't like it.

I. KNOW. Who doesn't like pie? It's basically saying (A) you don't like butter and sugar being baked together to form a shell, which used to hold more butter and sugar and (B) you don't like Thanksgiving. Because it's a fact that the alternate definition of Thanksgiving is Pie.

I've seriously investigated this illness of his. I've broken the pie down piece by piece trying to figure it out. Is it the flaky buttery crust? The warm sugary filling? The light crispy topping? The deliciously mouthwatering aroma currently filling my house as this goodness bakes???

Cherry Pie Rice Krispy TreatsIt comes down to the fact that he doesn't like cooked fruit. In his mind the fruit somehow changes once heat is applied to it. Look here Isaac Newton, a strawberry is a strawberry, regardless of it's temperature.

Ah alas, I've learned to deal with this life setback in 2 ways:

Firstly I am constantly trying to con him into eating alternate pie/cobbler type desserts: blueberry crumble cookiesapple pie treats, etc. I even try tricking him by calling my fruity desserts by alternate names. "What?! No honey this isn't a pie, it's a Strudel." Or "No no, this is a Crumble... totally different from a cobbler."... Buckles, crisps, slumps, etc it never works.

Secondly if you see me at a party having 2nd and 3rd servings of all the fruit pies and cobblers, you'll know why. Don't judge me.

Hence I decided to try and work one into a rice krispy. I give you the Cherry Pie Rice Krispy. While even I can't pretend that these are actually the same as eating a piece of pie, they make a pretty darn good substitute. First there's the pie crust which it all rests so perfectly on. Because what's pie without a buttery crust? Then the cherry jello mix gives the krispies the overall fruity flavor, while the cherries pack a fun little tart punch. Next time I might even put in more cherries.  Mmmm, this is heaven in a square people. Heaven. In a Square.

Cherry Pie Rice Krispy Treats


Cherry Pie Rice Krispy Treats

4 Tbsp butter
6 cup marshmallows
1/4 cup dry cherry jello mix
1 tsp vanilla
6 cup krispies
3/4 - 1 cup dried cherries
1 pie crust (store bought is fine, I put my recipe for my homemade one below too)

Roll out your pie crust until it fits nicely into the bottom of your 9x9 pan. (this may take some tweaking). Place in pan and poke holes all over with a fork to prevent bubbling. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Pour the rice krispies and dried cherries in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, turn the heat down to the lowest setting and add the marshmallows. Stir until the marshmallows are mostly all melted (this will take a few minutes--low and slow is key for perfect texture) then stir in the jello mix and vanilla.

Once fully melted, take them off heat and pour over the rice krispies. Stir lightly to combine. Dump everything on top of your cooled pie crust. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then with greased hands go in and flatten the top. Allow them to cool about 20 minutes. 



Basic Pie Crust

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening (use butter flavored)
3 tablespoons ice water

Whisk the flour and salt together. With a pastry blender, cut in cold shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Drizzle 2 to 3 tablespoons ice water over flour. Toss mixture with a fork to moisten, adding more water until dough comes together. Gently gather dough particles together into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap, flatten into a disk, and chill for at least 30 minutes.





Sunday, November 11, 2012

Caramel Apple Rice Krispy Treats


Caramel Apple Rice Krispy Treats

Please tell me I am not the only one who recently embarrassed myself with post Halloween candy shopping. Anyone? Because I was totally that person. You know who I mean. The person you see hovering around the sales rack at the grocery store and you wonder if they're all there. That person = Me. 

So I made a trip to Walmart a day or two after Halloween expecting big things. I mean I was ready to stock up on the candy galore. What did I find? Nothing. No seriously, nothing. The only candy they had remaining was about 200 bags of Dum Dums, a few individually packed Sixlets, and Nerds. And to top it all off none of them were even on sale. Only the costumes and decor were. Really Walmart? Lame.

So I went home in defeat. Looks like my candy binge wasn't happening this year. Then came today. I was on a grocery shopping trip for the basics (milk, bread, cereal, hot fudge, cool whip—no wait how did those get in there...?) when I passed the Sale/Clearance rack in the back of the store. It was Loaded with Halloween candy.

Oh my gosh. I zeroed in. I left my little babe and shopping cart forgotten in the middle of the aisle. My grocery list went out the window. 

Caramel Apple Milky Ways

Unfortunately the sale rack was located right in front of this door where employees were coming in and out of every 2 seconds to restock shelves. They must have thought I was crazy. I was hovering over that candy for a good 20 minutes—they passed me at least 30 times. I was tempted to pull one aside to say "Look buddy. I'm going to be here for awhile so can you guys just hold off for 15 minutes so I can ponder my purchases in peace?!" 

Next some lady was trying to get all up in my candy business. She was checking it out over my shoulder, no doubt trying to snatch up the goods. I was mentally saying, "Take a hike missy, I called dibs.” I decided to be classy though and simply box her out, football style. I assume she got the hint because she finally walked off after a few loud sighs.

Finally able to shop in peace I made my decisions. I got about a 2 year supply of candy corn (39 cents a bag... how could I say no?) A jumbo sized Almond Joy/Coconut M&M's mixed bag (No I don't really like Almond Joys. But I love the blue color of the M&Ms so I convinced myself it was a good buy.) Reese Peanut Butter Cups (Nuff said.) Reeses Pieces. (Nuff said x2.) Caramel Apple Milky Ways (I can't explain my excitement over these. Unfortunately there was only 1 bag left otherwise I might have broke the bank on them alone.) And some other miscellaneous goodies (because I am sure by now you are sick of reading all this...)

Anyhoo, once I was able to take a step back from the situation I realized that I probably just humiliated myself. Who knows how many people walked by me thinking, "that poor girl…" I would have gone through the self checkout but there was a line. So I did the next best thing and grabbed a bag of frozen veggies to hide my ridiculous candy stash underneath. All else I could do was avoid eye contact and pray I didn't see anyone I knew.

Ahh, I eventually made it home with my goods. And concluded that it was worth the embarrassment. Because that's where these delicious morsels of candy apple goodness originated from. The gooey pieces of Caramel Apple Milky Ways (best purchase ever!) really takes them to another level. These things leave a mark. In a good way.

Well, until next year. After Halloween candy shopping. It does things to you.

Caramel Apple Rice Krispy Treats


Caramel Apple Rice Krispy Treats

4 Tbsp butter
6 cup marshmallows
1 tsp caramel extract
1/2 tsp apple pie spice (here's a simple homemade version)
6 cup krispies
15-20 chopped Miniature Caramel Apple Milky Ways
Caramel for dipping (make life easy and use these... there's a story for you below**)


Pour the rice krispies and Milky Ways in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, turn the heat down to the lowest setting and add the marshmallows. Stir until the marshmallows are mostly all melted (this will take a few minutes--low and slow is key for perfect texture) then stir in the caramel extract and apple pie spice.

Once fully melted, take them off heat and pour over the rice krispies. Stir lightly to combine. Dump everything into a greased 9x9 pan. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then with greased hands go in and flatten the top. Allow them to cool about 20 minutes. 

Once cool melt your caramels per package instructions. Meanwhile cut your rice krispies into squares or circles. Dip krispies into melted caramel and lay on a sheet of wax paper to dry. Enjoy! 


**So I decided to get all Suzy Homemaker and make homemade caramel. I did a basic sugar/butter sauce and boiled it down... and down, and down, and down... um I forgot about it. So by the time I rushed back to the stove it had reach that hard ball stage of candy making... which is great except I wasn't trying to make candy, I was trying to make a caramel sauce. Because I'm stubborn I decided to try a second time. I don't even have a reason why I failed here, it just didn't work.  I ended up with a lot of hard caramel all over my counter, all over my pot, all over my face, and nothing to dip my caramel apple rice krispy treats in. Do yourself a favor. Buy those caramel bits from the store. You can thank me later.





Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Crumb Cake Rice Krispies


Crumb Cake Rice Krispy Treats

So my husband and I were up in Los Angeles last week. He had some training for work so the babe and I decided to tag along for 1 night. (staying in a hotel with a 7 month old = bad idea. Will not repeat.) Anyhoo we decided to have a night on the town that evening. (read that as in eating dinner at 5pm and being back in the hotel for the little one's bedtime at 6:30pm...and subsequently mom and dad's bedtime at 6:30pm. We live on the edge.)

Anyhoo so our night on the town. Ok, I will be the first to admit that I have been out of the social scene for awhile. There's something about spending your days with Winnie the Pooh and Elmo that puts a damper on your hipness. I must have been in denial though because I didn't feel I was that much out of the loop. Until this trip.

Before our 5pm  dinner date, we walked around one of LA's outdoor malls. Which leads me to my favorite pasttime: people watching. But this time my mind was blown. Um, when did rolled pant cuffs come into style for guys? And grandma sweaters? And I lost count how many of them were wearing ridiculously low v-necks. And I'm mentioning all this to my husband every 2 seconds. "Look at those guys,... what are they wearing?! Is that in style?... Who wears that?..."

Rolled pant cuffs
Are we worried about flooding or something?
Then it hit me.

OH MY GOSH. I am turning into my parents. I've done it, I've reached the age where I am lost to the current trends. I never thought this day would come. You always give your parents a bad time for not understanding fashion and being behind the times. ITS HAPPENING TO ME!

Wait, I'm too young for this! I'm not ready yet! I need more time!

Ah, I spent most of dinner contemplating this midlife crisis. And I eventually made peace with it. I've accepted there is nothing I can do. It's like a rolling snowball, it just can't be stopped.

So, to commemorate this new stage in my life, I decided to get in touch with my more mature side in the kitchen. And I thought, what is more mature then a good old fashioned Coffee/Crumb Cake? I always imagine a grandma making one of those. It's just not something I picture a young hip person making. They would be making tiramisu, or creme brulee, or something cool like that.

So I give you the Crumb (or Coffee?) Cake Rice Krispy Treats! A cake flavored krispy base with a thick, sugary cinnamony crumble topping that will melt in your mouth. This honestly was a delicious treat. And ready in 15 minutes?! Who needs to be in style, I got my coffee cake!

Crumb Cake Rice Krispy Treats


Crumb Cake Rice Krispy Treats

4 Tbsp butter
6 cup marshmallows
1/2 cup dry cake mix (white or yellow)
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
6 cup krispies
1 recipe Crumb Cake Topping (recipe below)


Pour the rice krispies in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, turn the heat down to the lowest setting and add the marshmallows. Stir until the marshmallows are mostly all melted (this will take a few minutes--low and slow is key for perfect texture) then stir in the cake mix, cinnamon, and vanilla.

Once fully melted, take them off heat and pour over the rice krispies. Stir lightly to combine. Dump everything into a greased 9x9 pan. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then with greased hands go in and flatten the top. Allow them to cool about 20 minutes. 

Meanwhile mix up the crumb cake topping. Once the treats are cool, dump the crumb topping on top and press into the rice krispies to create a thick layer. Cut into squares and enjoy!



Crumb Cake Topping

1 1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, melted

Mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour the melted butter on top and stir until crumbs form.



Sunday, November 4, 2012

Cake Batter Rice Krispies



Cake batter rice krispy treats. I know what you're thinking, it's been done before. I'm late to the party. But I figure since this is a rice krispy treat blog it's something I need to make at least once. And it also just happened to be my girl's 7 month birthday! Whoo Hoo! (Who celebrates 7 months? Ahem, I strongly believe in taking every opportunity to make a dessert.)

So while originality may be slightly lacking in today's post, I figured I'd make up for it by throwing in a cute picture of my little one. Although maybe they are just cute to me. Typical parent who thinks their child is adorable. But she really is isn't she???


Anyhoo so these cake batter krispies are first flavored with a healthy dose of cake mix. To pump things up I even took the time to bake a cake and toss real cake pieces in with the krispies. Just because I love you guys so much. It has nothing to do with the fact that I am going to eat these after I finish writing this. None. These little chunks added to the chewiness of the treats.


Then of course there are the necessary rainbow sprinkles. Lots of sprinkles. Everywhere. Sprinkles all over the krispies, sprinkles all over my counter, sprinkles all over my floor... And then the frosting. Because who eats a cake without frosting? (I have strong opinions about frosting on cake. I believe the ratio should be somewhere along the lines of 50/50. No questions.)

And there you have it! I highly recommend you celebrate your 7 month birthday with these treats. Or your 8 month, or 9 month,.... or  9 1/2 month, I don't judge.



Cake Batter Rice Krispy Treats

4 Tbsp butter
6 cup marshmallows
scant 1 cup dry cake mix (yellow, white, or funfetti)
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups 1-inch cubed cake pieces (I just baked up 1/2 the box of cake mix I used above, or if you have leftover cake from something use that, or you can just leave this out if you must... I may not speak to you though)
6 cup krispies
Rainbow sprinkles
Canned cake frosting (or homemade for you superstars)

Mix together the rice krispies and cake cubes in a large bowl. Set aside.

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, turn the heat down to the lowest setting and add the marshmallows. Stir until the marshmallows are mostly all melted (this will take a few minutes--low and slow is key for perfect texture) stir in the cake mix and vanilla.

Once fully melted, take them off heat and pour over the rice krispies. Stir lightly to combine. I added my sprinkles here while mixing to ensure they were evenly added. Dump everything into a greased 9x9 pan. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then with greased hands go in and flatten the top. Allow them to cool about 20 minutes. 

Now you can get creative or go simple. The simple way s to just frost the tops of your bars and call it a day. Definitely a winner. Or you can get extra crafty and make a layer cake: dump out your cooled bars on a flat surface. Cut n half with a serrated knife to create 2 "cake" layers. Frost the top of one, then place the second layer on top of that. Frost the top and sides as you would a cake and decorate with more sprinkles (of course). Bonus points if you cut out circles to make mini cakes! Enjoy!


Thursday, November 1, 2012

Cookie Dough Rice Krispies


Cookie Dough Rice Krispies

Cookie Dough, I mean lets get real, can life get better? My husband and I were recently discussing what our last meals would be if we were in prison on death row (you don't discuss these types of things? I swear we are law abiding citizens, this was purely hypothetical) My husband was listing out a big top grade steak with mashed potatoes and the works... meanwhile my mind was tracking somewhere along the lines of a gigantic bowl of cookie dough or brownie batter... or both.  With a side of ice cream.  Just to wash things down you know. I think this gives you a good idea of where I stand on my love of cookie dough.

Cookie Dough
I will take 2 of these please...

So what else could I do but have one of my first recipe posts be my cookie dough rice krispy treat I ask you? But of course.
Cookie Dough Rice Krispies

So here we go. As much as I'd like you to think I am a flawless chef I have to admit this one took me a couple of tries. (I feel like I can't technically call myself a "baker" since these aren't baked, but a "chef" sounds too professional. How about a "No-bake baker"? I'll have to ponder this one) First time I made the mistake of just using cookie dough straight from the bowl. What I ended up with was a gooey krispy mess because the dough literally melted into the warm marshmallow mixture (albeit a delicious mess). Hmm so after I managed to eat dispose of the pan of gooeyness I attempted round 2. This time I froze the cookie dough in chunks first. What did we end up with? Wha-la! A rice krispy reincarnation of your favorite chocolate chip cookie. A must make for any cookie dough lover. Ah, now if I only had some more of that dough left over...

Cookie Dough Rice Krispies

Cookie Dough Rice Krispies

4 Tbsp butter
5 cup marshmallows
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup cookie dough powder mix (I used a Betty Crocker mix)
6 cup rice krispies
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup cookie dough chunks frozen for about 30 min**

In a large mixing bowl combine the rice krispies and salt. Set aside.

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, turn the heat down to the lowest setting and add the marshmallows. Stir until the marshmallows are mostly all melted (this will take a few minutes--low and slow is key for perfect texture) then stir in the cookie dough mix and vanilla.

Once fully melted, take them off heat and pour over the rice krispy mixture. Stir lightly to combine. Dump half the mixture into a greased 9x9 pan. Then litter the top of that with the frozen cookie dough. Top with remaining rice krispy mixture. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then with greased hands go in and flatten the top. Allow them to cool at least an hour before serving. Enjoy!


**So I used the Betty Crocker chocolate chip cookie dough mix to make my cookie dough. I admit that I think my normal cookie dough recipe would have been better. So I might recommend making your favorite batch of cookie dough and just leaving out the eggs... But you can totally do what I did, they were still good, just not as good as they might have been :)



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