Marshmallow Magic

Do you remember the commercial where all kinds of noise and racket was coming from the kitchen and soon mom appeared looking all disheveled, with flour on her face, and a bunch of Rice Krispy treats? It's funny, but some people really think that there is something really difficult about making these tasty treats. For instance, my friend, Melanie cannot make a Rice Krispy treat to save her life. (Sorry neighbor, but you know it's true) She would use the marshmallow cream in the jar, and then try to firm up the treats in the freezer. The stuff in the jar? Why that's just crazy! It just never worked for her. And I would laugh at her, but in the nicest sort of way, and then make her a pan of treats. Years ago I worked in the security department of a major department store, which means that I worked with lots of guys too. Guys who thought there was something mysterious about the creation of Rice Krispy treats. Guys who would do almost anything to have some. So, I would bring them to work often. This ensured that they would chase down my shoplifters for me and keep me from getting beat up. It was a fair trade.

Why all the stories about Rice Krispy treats today? Well, this afternoon I'm leaving on a little trip that I'm really excited about. I'm going with a friend and a couple of other girls to a girl's get-away weekend of scrapbooking up in the mountains where it's about 20 degrees cooler than here. With nothing to do except scrapbook. The cost of admission? Rice Krispy treats. Yesterday I went and bought the complicated list of ingredients. This morning, at 6:30, I began the tedious process. (Hey, I have to make it sound hard for those who think it is). I looked to the back of the cereal box to find the recipe so that I could get the ratios right. To my shock and horror there was no recipe on the box! How can that be? I looked all over; front, back, side, other side, bottom, inside the lid, inside the box. But alas, no recipe. I didn't quite panic yet. I checked the package of marshmallows. However, the recipe there was different, calling for Fruity Pebbles, and the ratios were all off. That simply wouldn't do. Nearing a panic I started tearing through the pantry. Way on the bottom shelf, behind the dog treats and small appliances, I found a long forgotten about box of Rice Krispies. I spun the box around, and there was the recipe, right on the side of the box. Disaster averted. I made three batches of the sumptuous treats. I'll bring along two for the weekend, after all, there are only 5 girls going, and there will be other food available. The other batch I will share with my parent's and Brian's grandparents before I leave. (Grandma, if you read this before I get there don't tell Grandpa so that at least one of you will be surprised.)

As I cleaned up the kitchen, 'cuz you know how much of a mess this makes, I made sure to save the recipe. What gives with Rice Krispies taking a time honored and classic recipe off of the box? And now I have a confession to make, because when I'm wrong I like to admit it. The alternate directions included that the marshmallow cream in the jar can be substituted for fresh marshmallows. My bad. So Melanie, my dear friend, I'm truly not sure why you struggle so greatly in the creation of Rice Krispy treats. However, I'll be sure to munch on, and enjoy, some in your honor this weekend. Wish you could join us . . .