Peanut Butter and Chocolate Marshmallow Treats

Inspiration has eluded me lately.  My foodie brain that typically swarms with notions of brown butter and roast chicken has been quite unimaginative the past several days.  I wanted to leap into this year and face it head on, but I am already tired and wishing I could take some sick days from life.  Perhaps my lack of inspiration could be explained by the dreariness of these winter days, which are not exactly awe-inspiring.  

My brain was tired this past weekend, so I turned to an old combination that has never let me down. 

Once upon a time the fair and nutty Peanut Butter and the rich and decadent Chocolate fell in love.  Though each of them was entirely unique from the other, they were the perfect pair.  And it so happened that one day, they stumbled across a gathering of marshmallows and found that the three of them got along splendidly, so they built an entire kingdom out of building materials (which in their world happened to be corn flakes).  The kingdom was a fantastic success because each element complimented the others.  Then one day a very hungry young lady who was not particularly ferocious stumbled upon the kingdom and gobbled it all up because, well, it was really tasty.  The end. 

I believe I just turned a recipe into a very odd fairytale.  I’m sorry.  You’re welcome.

These bars are easy and ridiculously delicious.  They are pure, uncomplicated, salty-sweet-crunchy goodness. 

If you are planning on giving away some treats this Valentine’s Day, these bars would be a perfect offering.  Though they may be humble in appearance, a pink ribbon and cellophane will have these little bars prettied up and ready to put a smile on the face of someone you love -- that is, if you can keep them around that long!  These bars lasted exactly 1.5 days in my house. 

Chocolate, butter, and peanut butter are melted.  Marshmallows and corn flakes are coated in the holy melted triad and the whole bowl is poured into a baking pan to set. 

I am going to go work on my lack of inspiration and I look forward to sharing with you whatever comes out of this crazy brain next!

Wishing you all a splendid week!  We can do this.  

Sincerely,

   Pedantic Foodie

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Peanut Butter & Chocolate Marshmallow Treats 

makes 9 treats 

• 1 cup smooth peanut butter 
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature + extra for greasing
• 2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 3 cups marshmallows 
• 4 cups corn flakes 

Grease an 8x8 baking pan with butter.  Set aside. 

In a large bowl combine peanut butter, butter, and chocolate chips.  Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted.  Add marshmallows and microwave for an additional 30 seconds. 

Fold the corn flakes into the chocolate mixture until thoroughly coated and combined.  Spread the mixture into the prepared baking sheet and place in the freezer for 20-30 minutes, until the chocolate has fully set. 

Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled bars into nine squares.  Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for several days.  Enjoy!

White Chocolate, Sea Salt & Pretzel Krispie Treats

There is a simple and dependable equation by which us foodies like to live.  I would like to introduce you to the Baking Law of Addition.  You would be wise to memorize this formula.

The Baking Law of Addition states that the equation salt + sugar + fat will always equal everything wonderful and delicious. 

Foodies are a little predictable.  We take something classic, apply our super fancy non-mathematical law, and create something classic that has increased in both calories and deliciousness.  It is the best kind of predictable. 

I am a great admirer of the cereal family.  Ironically, though its a breakfast food, I find cereal much more appealing when I am wearing pajamas and watching Netflix.  Give me a bowl of Frosted Flakes and a hearty dose of cold milk and I will eat cereal all night long.  Well, at least until 10:30, let’s not be too crazy.  

Cereal becomes increasingly delicious when covered in melted marshmallows and butter - who would have guessed?  Apply the Baking Law of Addition and this really cannot get any better. 

Our sugar comes from a combination of buttery white chocolate and marshmallows.  Sea salt and crunchy pretzel crisps form the salty team and I think we all know what team the butter is on.  

Pretzels are crushed, marshmallows are melted and everything gets reeaallyy sticky...

This recipe makes twelve treats.  Initially, you may think that these servings are way too big.  Just take a bite and you'll understand.

Sweet and salty, chewy and crunchy, the Baking Law of Addition never disappoints.

Add some fancy to your cereal this week.  

Sincerely, 

  Pedantic Foodie

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Sea Salt, White Chocolate & Pretzel Krispie Treats  

makes 12 large treats

- 6 cups rice cereal

- 2 cups pretzel crisps, crushed 

- 1 1/3 cup white chocolate chips, divided use 

- 1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 

- 12 ounces marshmallows

- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing the pan

- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 

Grease a 9x13 baking pan with butter.  

In a large bowl combine rice cereal, crushed pretzel crisps, 1 cup of white chocolate, and sea salt. 

In a large saucepan melt butter over medium heat.  Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.  Stir in vanilla and remove from heat.  

Stir the rice cereal mixture into the melted marshmallows until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated in marshmallow.  

Transfer the Krispie treat mixture into the prepared pan.  Press down gentle to evenly distribute the mixture.  While the treats are cooling, melt the remaining white chocolate.  

In a microwave-safe bowl, place remaining 1/3 cup white chocolate chips.  Microwave the chips for 10 second increments, stirring after each, until the chocolate is smooth. 

Drizzle melted chocolate over the krispie treats and allow to set for 30 minutes before slicing into squares.  Enjoy!