Cooking in Pearls: July 2016

One of my favorite things about summer is being able to eat s'mores at every opportunity possible. It's like the calories don't count because it's just a necessary summer treat! Because I don't have a fireplace or outside fire pit I'm limited to the traditional roasting s'mores and love trying new ways of consuming them. A method I've been thoroughly enjoying lately is S'mores Rice Krispie treats. I've made them a few different ways and you can decide what you prefer. There really isn't a right or wrong way to make these and I'll be honest with you, I didn't exactly measure the good stuff, aka the s'more part. Just eyeball it...you'll pretty much want every inch of it covered with the chocolate and graham cracker goodness.

To make the Rice Krispies I followed the recipe (here) which made a delightful base. Actually...I may have added a whole stick of butter, not 5 tbl. It felt unnatural to leave such a small amount behind! I like this recipe because there's little bits of marshmallow that melt and give that luscious pull when you bite into it. Holy moly.

S'mores Rice Krispies Treats

You'll Need:
1 stick butter
8 cups mini marshmallows, divided
1 tsp vanilla (optional!)
6 cups rice cereal
1/2 cup min chocolate chips
1 Hershey's chocolate bar
1 cup Golden Grahams cereal
8x8 baking dish
plastic wrap
nonstick spray

Follow your favorite recipe for rice krispies treats and add in mini marshmallows to the coated cereal mixture. Line your baking dish with the plastic wrap and give it a light mist of nonstick spray.

Pour half of the cereal mixture in the baking dish and reserve the rest in the pot, for a quick second. Work quickly because you want the mixture to still be warm! Press the mixture lightly into an even layer, don't compact it too much.

Add in the chocolate chips first and you'll see them melt almost immediately! Next break off the Hershey's squares and arrange them evenly around.

Taking the graham cereal in your hand, lightly crush them as you sprinkle them on top. Use as little or as much as you like. Eyeball it!

Pour the rest of the marshmallow cereal mixture over top and even it out, again, not pressing too much. Keep them light and airy.

Let the bars sit for a half hour or so (if you can wait) and pull the plastic wrap up and out to cut the bars easier.

I like the squares of Hershey because it's pretty much traditional but I also like to sprinkle on a layer of mini chocolate chips because they melt and ensure that every bite will be equally as chocolatey.

You can also throw in different forms of chocolate in between such as peanut butter cups and let me tell you...it's a must try!

Goodness gracious.

I made these a few times with the s'mores part on top and tossing it in the broiler for a few second to toast the marshmallows. This way looks super cute and screams S'mores! I did find they were a little harder to eat.