Valentine’s Day Rice Krispie treats put snap, crackle, pop into the special day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. And while chocolates, cards and dinner out might be on the agenda for many people, it doesn’t take a lot of trouble to make a festive, flavorful treat for someone — or someones — who are special.

If you’ve seen any of the various baking competition shows that permeate cable TV these days, you know just how versitle an old favorite can be — Rice Krispies Treats. Not only ae they easy to make, sweet and a favorite treat for many people, they’re easy to shape.

The ways for making specialized holiday Rice Krispies Treats are without limit. For Valentine’s Day, simply think hearts, candy, red, white and pink — and let your imagination take over.

Following are three fun ways to make use of one of the sweetest, simplest treats ever created.

MAKING THE TREATS

What you need …

• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine

• One 10-oz. package of large (about 40) marshmallows

• 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal

• Cooking oil spray

• Wax paper or foil

• Sprinkles

• Candy

• Writing gel or frosting

Note: The recipe was doubled for the treats shown here which left some extra for “taste testing.”

What you do …

• In a large saucepan, melt margarine over low heat

• Add marshmallows

• Stir until completely melted

• Remove from heat

• Add cereal and stir until well coated

• Dump onto wax paper or greased foil

Once you have your treats made, the fun begins in shaping out your presentations.

SPRINKLE-COATED BALLS

What you do …

• Grease your hands with cooking spray

• Form balls

• Roll the ball in sprinkles

TIP: Pour sprinkles in a shallow bowl instead of shaking the container to reduce the mess!

CUPCAKES

What you do …

• Grease your hands with cooking spray

• Form balls to fit in cupcake cups

• Place a conversation heart on top

TIP: Use any size cupcake cups desired. The ones shown are full-sized and white with red hearts.

HEART-SHAPED TREATS

What you do …

• Grease your hands with cooking spray

• Flatten a large portion of the treat on wax paper

• Cut the heart with a heart-shaped cake cutter

• Sprinkle with X’s and O’s red and pink candies

• For smaller hearts, use a cookie cutter

• Outline the small hearts with writing gel in a tube

TIP: If you have no heart-shaped cake or cookie cutters, simply form the hearts by hand.

Recommendation: Don’t scrimp on the cereal and marshmallows … go ahead and buy the name brand products!

Email Mary Braswell at [email protected]. Follow @ABH_MBraswell on Twitter.