The Culinary Connoisseur
Krispy Treats
03
Jun
Jun
When Rice Krispies Cereal hit store shelves in 1928, it was only a moderate success. The cereal did not become popular with kids until a decade later, when Rice Krispies treats were created quite by accident. A Campfire Girls troop leader, seeking an inexpensive fundraiser idea, mixed the cereal with butter and marshmallows, and a sensation was born.
The idea behind the treats actually preceded the introduction of the cereal. A recipe for “Puffed Rice Brittle” was featured in an early cookbook published in 1916. The recipe included puffed cereal, butter, sugar, molasses, and vinegar. But when a Kellogg’s employee sold hundreds of Rice Krispies Treats during the summer of 1939 in a small town in Michigan to raise funds; its place in American “cuisine” was firmly
established.
established.
The Kellogg brand was committed to community. During the Great Depression, the company didn’t fire workers, and shipped products overseas to the armed forces. So when the creative cook adapted the “Puffed Rice Brittle” recipe using Rice Krispies, Kellogg’s executives took notice. They added the recipe to the back of the Rice Krispies cereal box and trademarked the name and recipe for the simple dessert. Rice Krispies Treats became a staple at children’s birthday parties and elementary school classrooms.
There are many variations to Rice Krispy treats. They make a great after day camp activity to prepare with your kids. You can use plain crisp rice or chocolate flavored or fruity crisp rice for variety. Try preparing 2 batches—one plain and one chocolate-flavored crisp rice; cut in 2” squares and stack the squares on a cake plate, alternating colors.
Or, add 1 cup of fruity crisp rice to a batch of plain Rice Crispy treats for a color-studded look. Spread some melted chocolate on your pan of treats for extra taste. Add chocolate or other flavored chips. Instead of cutting bars or squares, use cookie cutters for special occasions. The mixture can even be molded into fanciful shapes like snowmen and teddy bears by rolling it into different sized balls and sticking them together while still warm.
You can also cut squares, dip them in melted chocolate and stick a popsicle stick into them for the latest in “pop” treats. Be creative and have fun!
This version is even more flavorful than the popular peanut chew treats!
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup peanut butter
6 cups Rice Krispies
8 ounces chocolate
1 cup peanut butter
6 cups Rice Krispies
8 ounces chocolate
8 ounces butterscotch chips
Cook corn syrup and sugar on stove until it boils. Remove from heat and add peanut butter and Rice Krispies. Stir and spread on buttered 9 x 13 inch pan. Melt chocolate and butterscotch chips. Spread on top. When
cool, cut into squares or bars.
cool, cut into squares or bars.
Yes, this is a dairy recipe. Don’t swap the butter for margarine, the
browned butter flavor is a treat in itself!
browned butter flavor is a treat in itself!
1 stick of butter (4 oz), plus extra for the pan1 10-ounce bag marshmallows
1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (about half a 12-ounce box)
3/4 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cups of sweetened shredded coconut
Grease a 9×13 inch pan. Line pan with a piece of parchment or foil that is longer than the pan. Leave the extra hanging out of the pan.
In a large pot, melt butter over medium-low heat. The butter will melt, then foam, then turn clear golden and finally start to turn
brown and smell nutty. Use your nose to guide you! When it smells good,
slightly nutty, and is a pretty golden brown, the butter is ready.
brown and smell nutty. Use your nose to guide you! When it smells good,
slightly nutty, and is a pretty golden brown, the butter is ready.
As soon as the butter is ready, turn the heat off and
stir in the marshmallows. If the warmth of the melted butter is not enough to melt the marshmallows, turn the heat back onto low to help it along and get the marshmallows smooth. Be careful not to burn the butter.
stir in the marshmallows. If the warmth of the melted butter is not enough to melt the marshmallows, turn the heat back onto low to help it along and get the marshmallows smooth. Be careful not to burn the butter.
Remove the pot from the stove. Add the salt, Rice Krispies, coconut and chocolate chips and stir into the melted marshmallows. Quickly spread the mixture into the prepared pan. Then cover the top of the treats with the overhanging paper, and press down tightly as you can.
Cool at room temperature. Cut in 2” squares. Store in airtight container for 3 days.