Special Made Simple

Holidays do not have to be complicated to be fun. In fact, the more complicated they are, the less fun they are for me (and many others who do the planning and work). Our family expansion (first sons-in-law and now grandchildren), means more shopping for and/or making of presents and has me looking for even simpler ways to make our holidays fun.

I like Noel's idea of dressing up a favorite, yet easy to make, treat to make it special for holidays like Christmas. Rice Crispy Treats take on a whole new persona when they show up in living color.

Now, I've 'altered' the crispy treat recipe myself at times, such as adding peanut butter and/or chocolate...and have even gone the extra mile by adding appropriate sprinkles on top. This does not take much extra effort, but really, Noel's idea doesn't take any, she lets the colorful cereal dress it up for her. How sweet is that?

To read Noel's full post, visit her website at www.apronfreecooking.com and go to this link http://www.apronfreecooking.com/recipes/rainbow-treats-recipe/



Marcheta *savoring the sweet life

Noel writes:

My family is planning several get togethers over the holiday week. Of course, we always plan these events to be pot luck so that one person isn’t stuck fixing all the food.

Depending on the day and the time of the event, we’ll be carrying in appetizers, side dishes for dinners, or cookies. Sometimes it’s a challenge coming up with a recipe that doesn’t require too much time or effort.

For the cookie carry in, I’m bringing Rainbow Treats. This cookie isn’t really a cookie, but it is a very popular snack with the folks. Kids and adults gobble them up. You may know this treat by another name: Rice Krispies Treat.

I wanted something colorful and fun, so I bought a box of puffed rice cereal that featured multi-colored pieces. These would make great treats at a baby shower, or mother – daughter tea party, so you might want to clip this recipe and save it for later!

Rainbow Treats in Pan

Rainbow Treats Recipe

3 TB butter or margarine
10 oz marshmallows
6 cups puffed rice cereal, in rainbow colors


Butter a 9×13 baking pan and set aside.
Melt the butter in a large pan over low heat.
When the butter is melted, add marshmallows to the pan and stir. Continue heating over low until marshmallows are completely melted.
Pour in rice cereal and stir until all cereal is coated with marshmallow.
Scrape the rice mixture into the 9×13 pan.
With wet hands, press until spread evenly in pan.
Allow to cool for 30 minutes.
  Cut into squares and serve.