E BEAR’S BROWN BUTTER RICE KRISPIES TREATS

My daughter, Emmaline, nicknamed “E Bear” by her daddy, loves to help me cook. She demands to be placed on the counter with her own mixing bowl and spoon and, of course, taste-test everything. If she hears the mixer turn on, she literally comes running so she doesn’t miss a baking opportunity. Her favorite thing to make (or should I say eat!) are these Rice Krispies treats. Now, don’t be fooled—just because they can be made with the assistance of a toddler doesn’t mean they aren’t spectacular. The perfect combination of sweet and salty, gooey and crunchy will make any child or adult swoon.

6 tablespoons butter

10 cups mini marshmallows, divided

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

½ teaspoon salt

Makes 16 squares

1. Line a 9 × 9-inch pan with wax paper, and spray lightly with cooking spray.

2. Brown the butter by melting it in a large saucepan over medium heat. Use a pan with a light-colored bottom so you can keep track of the butter color. Swirl the pan occasionally to be sure the butter is cooking evenly.

3. As the butter melts, it will begin to foam. The color will progress from lemony yellow to golden tan and finally to a toasty brown. Once the butter has a nutty aroma, turn the heat to low and add in 8 cups of mini marshmallows, stirring constantly.

4. Once the marshmallows are just melted, remove them from the heat and stir in the cereal and salt until the cereal is just coated with the marshmallow mixture. Then stir in the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows.

5. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, and press evenly. (Use a piece of plastic wrap sprayed lightly with cooking spray to help press the mixture into the pan, if needed.)

6. Allow the treats to cool completely. Then lift the entire square out of the pan by pulling up on the wax paper, and slice it into squares. These are best served the same day.