Christmas Krispies: Three main ingredients for three fun family projects

Rice Krispies Treats, a tried and true favorite, are adaptable for any special occasion or holiday. Using three basic ingredients and the imagination is a great way to involve kids with kitchen fun this Christmas.

First, you have to get some treats going. Here are the basics for creating the mixture that will be the foundation for all these holiday uses.

The Treats

What you need

3 tablespoons butter or margarine

1 package (10 oz., about 40) Jet-Puffed Marshmallows OR

4 cups Jet-Puffed Miniature Marshmallows

6 cups Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal

What you do

— In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

— Add Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until well coated.

— Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13 by 9 by 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Cut into 2-inch squares. Best if served the same day.

Microwave Directions: In microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Follow steps 2 and 3 above. Microwave cooking times may vary.

Here are three ideas. Additional ingredients needed for each project is listed.

Take the cake

What you need

— The Rice Krispies treat mixture you created

— Red Twizzlers candy

— 2 candy canes

— Colorful foil-covered candy such as Rolo

What you do

— Spread the Rice Krispies mixture on wax paper.

— Using various sizes of pot lids, cut the cake layers.

* Layers can just as easily be formed by hand (spray hands with cooking oil first)

— Stack the layers one on top of another.

— Use Twizzlers cherry candy as layer edging

*Eight rope Twizzlers can be separated into half thickness.

— Top the cake with two candy canes.

— Additional candies shown are Christmas foil-wrapped Rolo chocolate and caramel individuals.

Red Ornaments

What you need

— The Rice Krispies treat mixture you created

— red sugar sprinkles

— A candy like Rolo in gold-colored foil

What you do:

— Sprinkle Rice Krispies mixture with red sugar sprinkles.

— Roll into balls.

— Roll balls in excess sugar sprinkles.

— Using a toothpick, attach a gold Rolo to the top.

Green Wreaths

What you need

— The Rice Krispies mixture you created

— Green food coloring, gel or liquid

— Red Twizzler candy

— Red candy such as M&Ms, Red Hots or Sixlets

What you do

— Color Rice Krispies mixture with green food coloring, gel or liquid.

— Form treats into circles. These do not need to be perfectly uniform.

— Using your thumbs, press out centers to form the wreath shape

— Decorate with the red candy for “berries.”

— Separate one rope of the Twizzler and tie a bow.

Tips

— Let an adult handle the “cooking” part.

— Cover work surface with a disposable table cloth or old towels.

— Keep hands sprayed with cooking oil.

— Set out available supplies and let the children use their imaginations; there is no right or wrong way of designing Christmas Krispies treats.

— Remember that food coloring can and will stain.

— Expect a mess. When all is done, be sure to include the kids in the cleanup.

Additional ideas

— Top treats with canned frosting.

— Use any kind sprinkles or cake decorating supplies (whatever is already in the cabinet).

— Top with crushed peppermint.

— Use different shades of food coloring.

— Shape into snowmen.

— Cut with cookie cutters.

— Use healthy decorations such as raisins.