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Homemade Bliss: Crafting Perfect Rice Crispy Treats with DIY Marshmallows

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Homemade Bliss: Crafting Perfect Rice Crispy Treats with DIY Marshmallows

Introduction

Who doesn’t love the sweet, nostalgic crunch of a rice crispy treat? These delightful snacks have been a favorite for generations. But what if you could elevate this classic treat by making everything from scratch? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating your own crispy rice cereal and making homemade marshmallows. The result? A truly homemade, utterly delicious rice crispy treat.

Table of Contents

  1. Ingredients
  2. Making Crispy Rice Cereal from Scratch
  3. Crafting Homemade Marshmallows
  4. Assembling the Rice Crispy Treats
  5. Tips and Variations
  6. Conclusion

Ingredients

For the Crispy Rice Cereal:

  • 1 cup of rice (jasmine or long-grain works best)
  • 2 cups of water
  • Pinch of salt

For the Homemade Marshmallows:

  • 3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
  • 1 cup cold water, divided
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch

For the Rice Crispy Treats:

  • 6 cups crispy rice cereal
  • 1 batch of homemade marshmallows (or 10 oz store-bought if preferred)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Making Crispy Rice Cereal from Scratch

Step 1: Cook the Rice

  1. Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, 2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed.

Step 2: Dry the Rice

  1. Spread the cooked rice in a thin layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. Allow the rice to air dry for several hours or overnight until it is completely dry.

Step 3: Crisp the Rice

  1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
  2. Place the dried rice on a baking sheet and bake for about 1-2 hours until the rice is dry and crispy.
  3. Let the rice cool completely, then store it in an airtight container until ready to use.

Crafting Homemade Marshmallows

Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 3 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin with 1/2 cup of cold water. Let it sit and bloom for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Sugar Syrup

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of light corn syrup, 1/2 cup of water, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Increase the heat to high and cook until the syrup reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer.

Step 3: Whip the Marshmallow Mixture

  1. With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the hot syrup into the gelatin mixture.
  2. Increase the mixer speed to high and whip until the mixture becomes thick, glossy, and triples in volume (about 10-12 minutes).
  3. Add 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 4: Set the Marshmallows

  1. Combine 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1/2 cup of cornstarch in a small bowl.
  2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and dust with the powdered sugar-cornstarch mixture.
  3. Pour the marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  4. Dust the top with more of the powdered sugar-cornstarch mixture.
  5. Let the marshmallows set at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Cut the Marshmallows

  1. Once set, turn the marshmallows out onto a cutting board.
  2. Use a greased knife or cookie cutter to cut into squares or desired shapes.
  3. Dust the cut edges with more of the powdered sugar-cornstarch mixture.

Assembling the Rice Crispy Treats

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

  1. In a large pot, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over low heat.
  2. Add the homemade marshmallows (or 10 oz store-bought) and stir until completely melted and smooth.

Step 2: Combine with Crispy Rice

  1. Remove the pot from heat and quickly stir in 6 cups of crispy rice cereal until well coated.

Step 3: Shape the Treats

  1. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and press the mixture into the pan using a greased spatula or wax paper.
  2. Let the treats cool completely before cutting into squares.

Tips and Variations

  • Add-Ins: Mix in chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts for extra flavor.
  • Flavor Twist: Add a few drops of food coloring or flavor extracts to the marshmallow mixture for a fun twist.
  • Healthy Version: Use brown rice and organic sweeteners for a healthier alternative.

Conclusion

Creating rice crispy treats from scratch is a fun and rewarding experience. Not only do you get to enjoy the nostalgic taste of this classic snack, but you also get the satisfaction of knowing every ingredient that went into making them. Whether for a family gathering, a special treat for your kids, or just because, these homemade rice crispy treats are sure to impress.

Enjoy your homemade bliss and share your delicious creations with us! Leave a comment below with your favorite variations and tips. Happy cooking!

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  • Danielle Lasit