Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispy Treats

I just realized I'd never posted this tasty snack though I've made them the last couple of years.

A simple and fun fall treat the kids can help make...made easy by adding a box of instant pumpkin spice pudding mix to the melted marshmallow mixture.

(Say that fast 3 times!!=)

Everyone needs a quick and easy 'go to' and this one is extra special fall treat. 

The pudding mix can sometimes be a bit hard to find, but you can also substitute 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice and it's yummy too. 

Be sure to stock up if you do find the pudding because it won't be on shelves for long! 

I love that it's quick and easy so can be made when you're in a rush to

find something to take to that fall festival or gathering!

The melted white chocolate over the top is optional, as are the

cutsie sprinkles, but doncha just love that special touch?  

TIP:  Try to press the cereal into the pan LIGHTLY!  If you press too hard,
the mixture tends to harden and makes it tough. 

PUMPKIN SPICE RICE KRISPY TREATS 

6 c. Rice Krispies

1/4 c. butter

1 (10 ozs.) bag mini marshmallows

(Or if you can find them, using pumpkin flavored marshmallows! squeal!)

1 sm. (4-serv. size) box pumpkin spice instant pudding  

(Butterscotch is super good too) 

Lightly spray 9" x 13" dish with cooking spray. 

In a large saucepan, melt the butter.  Add the marshmallows and

dry pudding mix.  Over low heat, stir constantly (I used a whisk) until mixture is blended and smooth.  Stir in the rice krispies; stir until coated. Dump mixture into prepared pan; press evenly, (but not too hard). Let cool; cut and serve.

MMMM good! 

You might also enjoy...

Apple Smiles (kid-friendly)

Caramel Apple Fluff Dip

Pretzel Pumpkins

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M & M Pudding Cookies! {New Recipe}

I know we're getting warmer temps, so save this awesome recipe for a rainy day if you must!

But DO make it - these are terrific and soft cookies...and aren't they beautiful too?

They get a lot of attention at my farmer's market baked goods stand. 

THERE'S A REASON FOR THAT!

Imagine all the fun you can having using seasonal M & M's...these would be perfect at Christmastime with red and green ones, or July 4th, with red, white & blue ones, Valentine's Day with red, pink and white...etc. etc. 

With all the other sugars in this tasty treat, I lowered the white sugar just a tad, otherwise, this is a perfect recipe as is.

The brown sugar always gives a caramel-y flavor that I adore in cookies! 

Thanks much to my sweet friend Kitty, at Kitty's Kozy Kitchen, whose taste buds are in 'sync' with mine all the time, for sharing this great recipe. 

(hover over photo to pin) 

M & M PUDDING COOKIES 

2-1/2 c. flour

1-1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 c. butter, softened

3/4 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. white sugar

(I decreased white sugar from 3/4 c.) 

1 box (4-serv. size) vanilla instant pudding

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

2 c. M & M milk chocolate candies

1/2 - 1 c. white chocolate baking chips, optional 

Preheat oven to 350. In medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt; 

set aside. 

In a large bowl, beat butter, brown & white sugars with mixer on medium for about 1 minute or until fluffy.  Add in dry pudding mix; combine.  Beat in eggs, one at a time, just until mixture is smooth.  Stir in vanilla.  On low, gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture until well blended.  Stir in M & M's and white chocolate chips by hand. 

Drop dough by heaping tablespoonsful about 2" apart onto UNgreased cookie sheets, or parchment-lined cookie sheets. 

Bake 10 - 11 minutes or until light brown.  Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet; remove to cooling rack.  After cooled completely, store in airtight container at room temp. These cookies freeze nicely. 

Yield: about 3 dozen 

Linked to 

Meal Plan Monday

You might also enjoy...

Brownie Monster Cookies (another recipe I snagged from Kitty)

Peanut Butter Fudge No Bake Cookies

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Criss Cross Cookies (4 simple ingredients!)

These melt-in-your-mouth goodies are a real holiday treat.  They make wonderful gifts for your neighbors and friends too...try them soon.  You'll be so glad you did...

I was tickled to find this recipe at Recipe Chatter...my kind of gal.  I am ALWAYS chattering about recipes!  *-* 

These are fun simple cookies that kids would love helping you with! 
They're LOW sugar too!!!! 

CRISS CROSS COOKIES 

2 c. flour

5 Tb. sugar

1 c. butter (2 sticks), softened

1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Mix all ingredients together with hands until soft. Roll into walnut-sized balls and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet. Using a fork dipped in flour, push lightly on each, first one way and then another, creating a criss-cross pattern...( just like we often do with peanut butter cookies)  Add sprinkles to cookies if you desire.. Be creative - use any kind of sprinkle you want. Bake 20 minutes, or until edges begin to brown. Remove from oven, then to wire rack to cool. 

Linked to...
Meal Plan Monday

You may also enjoy these...

Brownie Monster Cookies

Nitey Nite Cookies (they stay in the oven overnight!)

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Oatmeal Raisin Butterscotch Cookies (MMMM!)

This is such a special treat! You're going to thank me for sharing this recipe!!

When we spent time in Florida 2 winters ago, my dear friend Becky told us she had recently had the 'BEST COOKIE I'VE EVER EATEN'....

It was made by a waitress, Dawn, who works at a local restaurant...
THE CHATTERBOX.

It's just a couple of blocks away from the RV park where we have stayed. 

So of course, I had to get the recipe from Dawn.  And being the sweetie that she is, made up bags of these cookies for the bunch of us that frequent the restaurant.  

Gotta love her! 

You really gotta try this luscious cookie.  And don't forget to add it to your holiday gift giving list too. 

The butterscotch is perfect with the crunch of the oatmeal and sweetness of the raisins.  I love that it's a nice thick cookie too. 

I'm guessing it could very well become a favorite with your family also! 

OATMEAL RAISIN BUTTERSCOTCH COOKIES 

1 c. butter, softened
1 c. packed brown sugar
(I use 3/4 c.)
3/4 c. white sugar 
(I use 1/2 c.)
2 eggs
1-1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 
2 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
3 c. dry oatmeal (quick or old fashioned)
1 c. raisins
1 c. butterscotch chips

Preheat oven to 350*. In large bowl, combine butter and sugars until creamy.  Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.  In medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; add to creamed mixture; mix until well blended.  Add oats; stir well by hand.  Add raisins and butterscotch chips, mixing until blended.  Drop by rounded Tablespoonsful onto ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake for about 10 - 11 minutes or until lightly browned.  Remove to cooling rack.  
Yield: 3-1/2 to 4 dozen 


Linked to 
Meal Plan Monday


You may also like...

Wendi's Awesome Chocolate Chip Cookies

Peanut Butter Cup Pudding Cookies

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Edible Apple Turkey Craft - Kid Friendly

I almost forgot!

I helped a bunch of kids, about 8 or 9 of them, make these fun 'turkeys' at a Thanksgiving gathering last year at the home of friends-like-family. The ages ranged from probably 3 to 10.  It was simple fun and all the adults enjoyed the results too. Cute! Cute!

Lots of options - you can use raisins for eyes, or edible markers...be creative. 

I had some edible 'eyes' on hand, so that's what we used..using a dab of honey to 'glue' them on. 

We cut a gumdrop in half for the 'waddle', then shaped it into a longer shape...

attached it to the marshmallow with honey or part of a toothpick...

This is what you need for each turkey...

1 medium apple 

toothpicks

spice drops 

(they're smaller than regular ones) 

lg. marshmallow

eyes - raisins, edible markers or store purchased 'eyes' 

Place 3 spice drops on a toothpick, leaving room at the bottom to poke it into the apple.  Make as many 'feathers' as you'd like.

Add 2 toothpick legs (it helps steady the bird=) and add a spice drop to each for feet. 

Push half a toothpick into the apple where you want to put the 'head'; push marshmallow into pick.  Add eyes and 'waddle'.  May use candy corn for a beak. 

Use your imagination.  These are fun and will produce lots of giggles,

from all ages. 

HAPPY THANKS-LIVING!!!!!! 

​

Easy Toffee Caramel Apple Dip {New Recipe} 5 Ingredients!

I've been looking for a simple apple dip to share with you...and I didn't have to look far....

I'm so blessed to have a dear friend who loves to try new recipes and is always

dropping off samples for me. (Thanks Sandy!)

I have a similar dip on my blog Simple Caramel Toffee Spread, (which has the same ingredients, minus the whipped topping). This dish was very light and fluffy and makes it easier just to dip the apples and scoop up some luscious dip. 

AND.SOO.GOOD! 

Hope you'll give it a try...and a stir soon.  It's great to whip up when company pops in at the last minute, and a tasty treat to get your kids to enjoy some apples too. Great for any fall party you may get invited to also. 

I like this one because it doesn't have a large amount of added sugar...

TOFFEE CARAMEL APPLE DIP 

1 pkg. (8 ozs.) cream cheese, softened

1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 tub (8 ozs.)frozen whipped topping, thawed 

1/4 c. caramel sauce (or more=)

1/4 c. Heath toffee bits (or more) 

(chocolate coated or not)

apple slices & gingersnap cookies for serving

In medium mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.  Add powdered sugar; beat until well blended. Mix in whipped topping on low. Stir in half the Heath bits (1/8 cup). Pour dip into a serving bowl; drizzle caramel over the top, then sprinkle with remaining heath bits. Cover; chill until ready to serve.  Bring on the apple slices and gingersnaps. Dive in!! 

Linked to 
Meal Plan Monday

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Leader Enterprise - Sept. 13, 2017 - Starting School Right

Cafeteria Peanut Butter Balls

With school starting and homework piling up, the structure and routine of the school year quickly replaces those relaxed summer days we've all enjoyed. The school year can go smoother with a planned study space for students. Less stress..more success.

The place where kids study should be comfortable, quiet and free from distractions. They can go to their room, close the door and kill as many distractions as possible - like music, television, and even the internet and their phone. 

Whether or not your child takes their own lunch every day or just occasionally, try not to fall into the 'brown bag rut'. Try new foods in lunches - whether for school or work. Watch for what's in season and vary between fruits and veggies.

You can pack healthier options, and most kids won't even know the difference. Replace chips with pretzels or goldfish. Place them in ziploc snack bags-a great way to have perfect single-serving sizes. Mix assorted snacks like dried cherries or apples, raisins, yogurt raisins, banana chips, goldfish, cheerios and raisins to make your own 'trail mix'. If your kids want chips, try a healthier baked version. Multigrain Pringles are great.

Purchase items like teddy grahams, granola or animal crackers to satisfy their sweet tooth. Instead of purchasing pre-sliced apples at the store, make your own! Toss apple slices in lemon-lime soda for about 10 minutes, then drain. Store in snack size ziploc bags and be sure to squeeze all the air out. This will prevent the apple slices from browning.

No matter what the kids are taking in their lunch, a note from mom or dad can always brighten their day, so parents:don't forget to add a little love note to your child's lunch or backpack. Knowing you are thinking of them while they're gone helps boost their self-worth and aids them in their school progress in ways you may never know.

This is a healthy snack your family is sure to enjoy.

CAFETERIA PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

1 c. honey
1-1/4 c. natural creamy peanut butter 
1-1/2 c. dry powdered milk
3 c. quick or old fashioned oatmeal, uncooked
1-2 Tb. wheat germ,optional
1-2 Tb. flax seed,optional
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips, optional

Mix all the ingredients together with a electric mixer. Form into balls with hands and freeze on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper until firm. Remove from freezer and store in a large zip lock bag in the refrigerator. Yield: about 30 peanut butter balls.

CHOCOLATE CHIP GRANOLA BITES

2-1/2 c. quick or old fashioned oats

1/2 c. crisp rice cereal

2 Tb. flax seed, optional

1 Tb. wheat germ, optional

1/2 c. semi-sweet, white chocolate or butterscotch chips

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. coconut oil, melted (or butter)

1/3 c. honey

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 

Preheat oven to 350. Spray mini muffin pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix all ingredients except for chocolate chips; stir with spoon until well blended. If mixture seems too dry, add more honey or coconut oil. Add a little at a time until mixture sticks together (but will not be like cookie dough). Stir in chocolate chips. Using a small cookie scoop, place granola mixture in mounds; press mixture firmly with your fingers or back of a spoon. Bake 12-13 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand in pan for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from pan with knife and enjoy. Store in airtight container or place in ziploc bags and freeze to be tossed into lunches later.

William Butler Yeats has been quoted as saying "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire". 

Leader Enterprise - August 2, 2017 - Summertime Fun for Kids

Summer is nearly half over for school kids.  Have you already heard "I'm bored" more times than you care to count? Here's a list of some simple, fun activities to help woo them away from their electronics and enjoy the season. Encourage them to see how many things they can check off this list before school starts. 

-have a picnic

-watch a sunset 

-play tag with friends

-stargaze: see if you can find the Big and Little Dippers 

-run through the sprinklers 

-make popsicles 

-have a lemonade stand

-go for a bike ride

-visit the library

-bake something yummy

-fly a kite

-camp in the back yard 

-play in the rain

-catch fireflies

-do cartwheels

-blow bubbles

-draw a picture 

-bake cookies for a neighbor

-learn to juggle

-make a fruit smoothie

-play a game

-read a book 

-make shadow puppets with your hands

-send a letter in the mail to a friend (bet they'll be surprised!)

-do a random act of kindness

-visit relatives

-offer to help a neighbor with a chore

-call your grandparents to ask how they're doing

-have a water balloon fight

-write a story

-have a family game night

-learn a magic trick 

-write a thank you note to someone in your family 

-play at the park 

-lay in the grass and find shapes in the clouds 

Here are some simple ideas for kids to have fun in the kitchen and maybe even help cool them down. 

FRUIT PUNCH SLUSH 

1 - 20 ozs. bag of frozen mixed fruit (peaches, mango, pineapple, strawberries, or your favorite mix)

2 - 3 cups 100% juice fruit punch 

Place frozen fruit in blender.  Pour 2 c. fruit punch over fruit and begin to blend. Add up to another cup of juice to get the texture you want. Blend until no large pieces remain. Serve and sip!  Yield: about 4 servings 

OCEAN FLOATS 

Fill each glass about 2/3 full of bright blue drink for water in each float. (Blue Hawaiian punch or blue sports drink). Add some lemon-lime soda, but save room for some ice cream. Add 2 scoops vanilla ice cream to each glass and let it begin to melt. Add 2 gummy fish or sharks to float in the top - add a straw and enjoy. 

You could try orange soda instead of root beer for a creamsicle blast!

2-INGREDIENT ROOT BEER FLOAT POPSICLES 

Root Beer

Vanilla ice cream

Popsicle Mold or disposable paper cups

Popsicle sticks (if not included with mold) 

Make sure root beer is cold. You're going to alternate layers of ice cream and root beer in the mold, allowing the foam to die back before pouring more to fill molds to the top. Be careful because it will foam up, so pour slowly. (Be sure to clean up the overflow). Insert sticks and freeze overnight. (If using cups, cover with foil, then poke stick into popsicle to hold them still. Run hot water over mold quickly to release popsicles.  Enjoy! 

I look forward to seeing you at Bean Days.  Please stop by the Leader office for a taste of my beans. 

"I love how summer just wraps its arms around you like a warm blanky.”― Kellie Elmore