lisi's luscious desserts

OK, yes we all know how to make these – but my kids (or their friends) sometimes mention that mine taste better than those they buy at the bake-sale.  I often say it’s because I bake with looove and give them a big smile.  Truthfully though, the love comes from a little kosher salt and vanilla – and the added chocolate chunks (although if you’re a purist even just the vanilla and salt will heighten your pleasure).  My whole family enjoyed these yummy treats, even Rob who surprises me here.  I haven’t made them in a while – Greg just said…”mom, I’m so glad you made these again.  They are so good.”  I usually cut them up into reasonable portions (otherwise we are all slicing away day and night), wrap them in plastic wrap, and pop in an airtight container.  Good for a while although they do disappear fairly fast!

chocolate chip rice krispie treats(adapted from the Kellogg’s Rice Krispie cereal box recipe):
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 package mini marshmallows (10.5 oz)
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (please high quality here)
1/3 – 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or just about)
6 cups rice  krispie cereal
(about) 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks (I happen to prefer Nestle’s chunks here.  Of course you can use chocolate chips instead.)

Spray or butter a 9×9 inch pan.  (I usually double this recipe and use my 9×13 inch pan.)

In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat.   Once melted, add the marshmallows and stir and until they too have melted.  Watch them – they burn easily.

Add the vanilla and salt, mix to incorporate.  Add the rice krispies and mix.  Add the chocolate chunks and mix in.  (If marshmallow mixture is very warm, some may melt, but that is OK too!)  Pour onto prepared pan. Flatten and push down with the back of a large spoon (easiest if you spray spoon with non stick spray).

Let set for about 45 minutes to an hour.  (Or longer).  Cut into squares and enjoy!

As mentioned – I cut, wrap and place in an airtight container.  But eating right out of the pan is good too.

Another note – sometimes I add some mini chips to the melted marshmallows.  Mix and melt them too – this makes the marshmallow mixture brown and changes the whole look of the bars.  Fiddle a bit.  See what you like to do.  Add peanut butter chips or milk chocolate chips, or maybe even a natural peanut butter laced throughout…next time…

other dessert recipes you might like:

• waffles (everyday)
• red berry soup (with peaches, nectarines and currants)
• (my favorite) brownie sundae with carmalized bananas
• chocolate clouds
• pumpkin loaf with whole grains and olive oil