Are you hosting friends and family for the Fourth of July this year?  Did you just get a last minute invite to go somewhere else to celebrate? Or are you watching the various presentations in the comfort of your own home? Regardless of how one observes the Independence Day holiday, one thing is certain; this day evokes images of red, white and blue!

Today I’m sharing a super easy recipe that we’ve all probably made many times, but embellished for this summer occasion. I’m talking about Rice Krispies squares. You know, those gooey treats that kids (and my husband) love to pieces.

When my children were little, I made them all the time. It was simple to have all three of the ingredients on hand at all times, and the marshmallow cream concoction could be dyed for any season. St. Patrick’s Day green? You bet! Valentine’s Day pink? Sure! I would take them to class parties, birthday’s and just about any other occasion that came along. A 9×12 pan of either yellow cake with chocolate frosting or these yummy treats on the kitchen counter was a regular occurrence. And at less than $2 for at least 12 servings, they were not only easy, they were downright cheap!

Then something strange happened. The kids grew up *sob* and almost simultaneously, Kellogg’s figured out how to make these treats in individually wrapped, shelf stable, single serving sizes and sell them. What?? We started purchasing them in king size boxes at Costco and having them on hand. My husband will cringe at this, but remember when they had the campaign where they had a space on the package for you to write a note on the package of the Rice Krispies Treats? I would put one in his packed lunch every day with little notes like “love you,” “have a great day,” or some other sappy thing. I think it’s hard to quit being a mother sometimes:)

But you know the problem with the store-bought Rice Krispies Treats? They aren’t as good as the homemade. Easier, yes. Already wrapped, yes. But as tasty? No my friends, they are not. So, a few years ago, I started going old school and making my own from scratch again. If you can call three ingredients scratch…

To refresh your memory if you haven’t made these in a few years, here is the recipe found on any box of Kellogg’s Rice Krispies: 3 tablespoons of butter, melted. Add 1 one 10 ounce package of large puffed marshmallows. Stir together until marshmallows are melted. (if adding food coloring, this is the time) Stir in 6 cups of Rice Krispies. Place in buttered 9×12 pan, pressing down with buttered spatula or your buttered hand. Embellish if desired. Allow to cool and cut into squares.

To make these Rice Krispies Treats extra Fourth of July-ish, I embellished them with candy sprinkles in red, white and blue stars and some red sugar dust.  A few years ago, I made these up for a Fourth of July BBQ we hosted and gave them away in cello bags tied with red and blue ribbons as take-home treats. This would also be a great item to take if you are going to someone else’s house for the 4th. Easy to make and definitely in theme.

Whether you are going out, having people in, or just staying at home, I wish you the most blessed Fourth of July observance. We truly are so lucky to live in the greatest country on earth!

Good tidings,
Diane