Holiday Crispy Rice Squares

Fruit Cake Crispy Squares and Peanut Butter Chocolate Crispy Squares

© Marcelle Greene Edins

Nov 11, 2009

The holidays are quickly approaching and everyone is scrambling to get their holiday dinner menus in order. Turkey, ham, stuffing, fresh, fragrant bread and lots of tasty, sweet desserts are a big part of classic holiday fare. All families have those traditional dishes that must be on the table, otherwise a holiday dinner just isn't complete. Everyone also has family members who insist that their signature dishes simply must be on the serving table.

Taking comfort in the food of holidays past is a wonderful part of family tradition. Those customary dishes are often a large part of making a holiday dinner gathering meaningful for both guests and cooks. However, a break in tradition can spice up the holiday dinner routine and give new life to a family party. This year, add some excitement to the menu by offering something new on the holiday buffet.

Just remember that radical menu changes may strike fear into the hearts of family member who are set in their holiday buffet ways. After all, grandma's salmon shaped gelatin and fruit ring does have a few fans. So, perhaps start with small menu exchanges, and don't trade out the holiday ham for that barbequed brisket just yet. New additions on the dessert or side dish tables may be easier to swallow at first. In that spirit, Fruit Cake Crispy Squares and Peanut Butter Chocolate Crispy Squares are this contributing writer's variations on a classic sweet treat that may bring joy at some holiday gatherings. Enjoy.

Fruit Cake Crispy Squares

• 1/2 stick of butter or margarine
• 1 (10 oz) package of marshmallows
• 1/2 cup dried, sweetened cranberries
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup pecan pieces (pecan cookie pieces, where available)
• 6 cups crispy rice cereal ( Kellogg's Rice Krispies are recommended)

Directions:

1. Lightly grease a 13 x 9 inch pan.
2. Melt the butter in a Dutch oven or stew pot.
3. Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until the marshmallows are melted and smooth.
4. Add in the dried apricots, cranberries and pecan pieces.
5. Slowly add the crispy rice cereal until complelely coated with the melted marshmallows.
6. Spread the cereal mixture into the pan and allow to cool.
7. Cut into squares and serve.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Crispy Squares

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 6 cups crispy rice cereal (Kellogg's Rice Krispies are recommended)
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• melted chocolate (to drizzle on top)

Directions:

1. Lightly greased a 13 x 9 inch pan.
2. Place honey and peanut butter in a warm Dutch oven or stew pot.
3. Heat until just melted.
4. Stir in the crispy rice cereal and chocolate chips.
5. Mix well until cereal is well coated.
6. Firmly press into the greased pan and allow to cool.
7. Drizzle with melted chocolate.
8. Cut into squares and serve.

** This mixture is less sticky than the marshmallow recipe and pressing it firmly into the pan is key for it to stick together.

Traditional Rice Crispy Treats

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