Heather loves to get in the kitchen with her kids, and she wants you in the kitchen with your kids too! Kids in the Kitchen with Girl in the Kitchen shares tips, recipes, and ideas to get you and your kids cooking together.
Kids in the Kitchen: Valentine’s Day Treat
We had a fun weekend in the kitchen!
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and fresh off a New Year’s resolution to eat less sugar, the month of chocolate is here.
Oh well. Anything for the children, right?
My kids and I always have fun creating Valentine’s Day treats and usually focus on chocolatey treats to enjoy. This year, we decided to change it up a bit. They love Rice Krispie treats, but that is usually something I don’t make a lot because I love to bake, and as you know, if you have ever made these, it is a no-bake dessert.
Although I tended to stray from those, I realized that this sort of dessert is a great way for my kids to be involved. The melting of the marshmallows is easy on the stove and even more effortless in the microwave. The mixing is fun for any age, and the amount of “taste tests” they will grab of the gooey warm mixture, is simply immeasurable.
Pressing it into the pan took a little practice, but my daughter did a fantastic job. We decided to glam these simple treats up for a holiday using a simple heart cookie cutter, some red candy melts, and, of course, sprinkles.
Wrapped and with a plastic treat bag and some festive ribbon, these were perfect for gifting, decorating, or just plain eating.
We did a lot of the eating.
This is an easy treat that you can make with your kids. Follow these simple directions and make some memories…and some sweet treats!
Heart-Shaped Valentine Treats*
*Recipe adapted from The Original Treats Recipe*
- 6 tbsp butter
- 20 oz mini marshmallows
- 12 cups Crispy Rice Cereal
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter
- 20 Lollipop sticks
- 2 – 3 cups candy melts, the color of your choice
- Sprinkles
- Line a 13×9 baking pan with wax paper.
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan on low heat. Add marshmallows and stir with a wooden spoon until melted, remove from heat.
- Place crispy rice cereal in a large bowl and slowly pour marshmallow mixture on top, stirring with a wooden spoon until combined.
- Press into the 13×9 pan, making sure to pack firmly, but careful not to crush the cereal.
- Using the back of the wooden spoon, press down. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out heart shapes and insert a lollipop stick into each one, squeezing the treat around the treat, careful not to lose its shape in the process.
You need to work through this process quickly as the cooler the mixture gets, the more difficult it will become to cut and put on a stick.
Melt candy in in a double boiler over a low heat until smooth and creamy (you may use a microwave safe bowl as well. Microwave for one minute, stir, then do increments of 30 seconds until melts are smooth). Be careful not to overcook! Dip side of treat in melts, sprinkle with candy sprinkles. Lay on wax paper to allow candy melts to harden. Store in a covered container for up to three days, or freeze for up to a month.
Enjoy!
Looking for a fun and easy Valentine’s Day Breakfast? Try these Puffy Pancakes. They are so delicious and dressed with berries and whipped cream, a perfect breakfast for the day meant to show love to those around you.
Still, thinking about all the Valentine’s Day chocolate? This chocolate pudding is perfect for satisfying the kids and a decadent treat for the adults, too, especially when garnished with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Check out Girl and Her Kitchen for more tasty treats, perfect for the holiday! Enjoy!
By: Heather Williams
Mundelein
Heather is a busy mom of three who loves exploring Lake County with her kids. When she, her husband, and kids are not embarking on new adventures, you will most likely find her cooking and posting some great family-friendly recipes at Girl and Her Kitchen.
Leave a Reply