Caramel Vanilla Rice Krispie Treats

Classic rice krispie treats are something, I think, most American children remember from their childhood. Two basic ingredients come together to create one of the most rich and delicious sticky snacks anyone could ever dream up.

Now, in the aisle where you used to find either just plain sacks of marshmallows or Jet Puff spread, you can now find something a bit different; flavored marshmallows. Kraft has started production on sets of "swirled" flavored marshmallows that most definitely could add a little something extra to your next batch of cereal/marshmallow treats.

Since I wanted to make these extra delicious, I bought the following items: rice cereal ($2.48), 2 packages of Kraft Jet Puffed Caramel Vanilla SwirlMallows ($1 per bag) and used some of the chocolate chips I had bought for another project as garnish.

Step One: Pour your marshmallows and a bit of butter into a large pan.

Pour both packages into the pan and set the pan onto the heat. Use the time it takes for them to start to melt to spray a 13x9 inch baking dish with cooking oil or, if you're feeling the spirit of Paula Deen, you can always coat it with butter.

Step Two: Melt your marshmallows and butter

This process takes a little while to complete if you are like me and impatient. Stir the marshmallows around the pot every 30 seconds to make sure they all melt down. It may seem like it's taking forever but, in reality, it only takes about 5 to 7 minutes, if that!

Once the marshmallows are almost completely melted down, remove from heat and continue to stir the marshmallow mixture until it is.

Step Four: Add the cereal

This is where stuff gets hard. Literally! Fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture until it's completely incorporated. The mixture may get hard and stick to the pot but, don't worry to much about it. Allowing the pan to soak in extremely hot water for a few minutes once you get the rice mixture into the baking sheet will loosen it all up and make clean up extra easy.

Step Five: Pour into the baking sheet:

If you have someone around that isn't doing much of anything, have them either hold the pot for you while you scoop the mixture out or vice versa. Use a metal spatula sprayed with cooking oil in order to spread the mixture out without the back of it sticking. Sprinkle the top with chocolate bits and allow it to cool for an hour

Step Six: Cut into squares and chow down!

Cut the pieces as big, or small, as you wish and enjoy!

*Note: Kraft SwirlMallows also come in chocolate/vanilla swirl, strawberry/vanilla swirl and seasonal gingerbread. You can buy them at your local grocery store for the same price as the plain ones.