The World's Best Treat

In case you hadn't yet figured it out, there is one best possible treat. Okay, well, maybe there are two, but one of them can easily be perfected and I never get sick of them. Not even if I've eaten the entire pan myself. It is the Rice Krispy treat.

You should know by now that the Kellogg's recipe, while a good starter, is not the best way to prepare them. First of all, they call for "margarine or butter". Not even "butter or margarine". Unfortunately, not just "butter". And second of all, they're not gooey enough. Here, then, is the perfect recipe, which I created earlier this evening.

Wait, first, a note before we begin.

The brand of marshmallows does matter, as does the brand of cereal. No, I'm not just being a food snob, or brand snob, but the fewer ingredients in a recipe, the more important the quality of those ingredients. I've tried different brands of marshmallows, and the flavor is definitely lacking in the less-expensive brands. Same with the Krispies. Anyhow, you're maybe paying 40 cents more per bag of marshmallows, so I'm sure you can handle that or you wouldn't be making such a frivolous dessert. I admit the Krispies can be significantly more expensive than the cheap version, and I don't know that there is a large difference in flavor, but the texture of Kellogg's seems to be crispier and fresher. If you're really needing to cut corners, do it on the cereal, not the marshmallows, but when it comes to the best treat in the whole world, why not do it right?

Okay, here you go.

Just-Right Rice Krispy Treats

22 oz. Kraft Jet-Puffed marshmallows (or Campfire brand)
8 T. (4 oz.) unsalted butter
1/2 t. vanilla
8 c. Kellogg's Rice Krispies

Butter the bottom and sides of a 9"x13" pan.

Find a really big plastic bowl that is microwave-safe (this is the easiest for cleanup afterwards). Soften the butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds if it's straight out of the fridge (or don't if it's room temperature), then throw the marshmallows in with the butter and microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes to start. Remove and stir with a rubber spatula. Continue microwaving and checking on it for 30 second intervals. When the marshmallows and butter are a smooth consistency, stir in the vanilla, then the Rice Krispies. After they're stirred in completely, pour into pan. Butter your hands well and press down so the top is fairly even. Set aside to set up, about 1 hour, or throw it in the fridge for 20 minutes if you're anxious. I usually am. Cut and serve. Or don't serve and just keep them all for yourself. Splendid!