Rice Crispy Treats are one of those things that I feel are hit or miss.  Too often, they are too hard or dry, with not nearly enough gooey marshmallow in the mix.  This always makes me sad.  You can't get much better than gooey marshmallow!  I've played with the traditional recipe a bit, but it wasn't until I tried my mother-in-law's, that I felt I was really close to perfection.

These Rice Crispy Treats are gooey and marshmallowy (is that even a word?) and oh-so-good!  The browned butter takes a practically perfect recipe up a notch and these things are irresistible!  You can also mix things up, with different cereals.  (Try chocolate Cheerios, Reese's Puffs, or Fruity Pebbles)

Browned Butter Rice Crispy Treats

• 1/2 c salted butter
• 1/4 c dark brown sugar
• one 10 oz bag mini marshmallows
• 5-6 c Rice Crispies cereal

Line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper, and lightly spray with cooking oil. Set aside.  Measure out your brown sugar and cereal into separate bowls.  Set aside.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and continue stirring until it begins to brown and has that lovely nutty aroma.

Turn heat to low and add the marshmallows and brown sugar.  Stir, just until the marshmallows and sugar have melted.

Remove from heat and stir in 5 cups of the Rice Crispies Cereal.  It will be loose and gooey, but if it feels like the marshmallows are completely taking over, add a little more of the cereal.  (I usually end up using between 5 and 5 1/2 cups)

Dump in to prepared pan and spread out to the edges, pressing down to compact everything together.

Try to wait at least a few minutes so it won't burn you before you dig in!


To Make the Candy Corn Rice Crispy Treats

You will essentially be tripling the recipe.  Make the first layer as indicated above.

Make another batch, but this time as the marshmallows and sugar are melting, stir in some yellow food coloring, until desired color is reached.  Continue mixing in cereal.  Pour over top of the plain layer and press down to join.

Make a final batch, adding orange food coloring this time.  Spread over the yellow layer, press down, and allow to cool.

Once everything is cooled, lift out of the pan and cut (across the 9inch side) strips about 2 inches wide.

Turn the slice on it's side and cut on an angle to create triangles.  (see picture)

This recipe is perfect for taking to a Halloween Party, as it will feed a crowd.  If you want a little less, cut the original recipe in half (1/4 c butter, 2 Tbsp dark brown sugar, half a bag-5 oz- mini marshmallows, 2 1/2-3 c Rice Crispies Cereal) and make in an 8x8 pan.