Trix Crispy Treats

Although I am an adult, I still love sugary breakfast cereal like a small child.  However, I don’t eat it for breakfast—I make yummy treats!  I have made these for years, switching up cereals as I see fit.  My all-time favorite is Lucky Charm Treats.  I won my fiancé over by making Fruity Pebble treats for him (I am not sure if that’s how…but I think it played a small role).  You probably have these ingredients just hanging out in your pantry begging to be used.  I give to you my Trix Crispy Treats from the Original Rice Crispy Treat recipe.

Trix Crispy Treats

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows OR 4 cups miniature marshmallows
• 6 cups Trix breakfast cereal

Directions:

1. In microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes.

2. Add Trix cereal. Stir until well coated.

Mixing up the magic

3. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Cut into 2-inch squares. Best if served the same day.

Just look at the sticky goodness!

Chocolate Cupcakes With Peanut Butter Frosting

I am not a huge chocolate lover.  I get it, for some people chocolate is not the question—it is the answer (cough cough, Lauren).  Although when it comes to dark chocolate covered strawberries—you better get out of the way, I might knock you down.  For over ten years I have been searching for the right kind of chocolate cupcake.  Numerous recipe books, Pinterest attempts, and chats over coffee—I finally found one my heart has been searching for.  A helpful hint I have found, it is worth it to purchase the higher quality coco powder.  I present to you my favorite chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter cream cheese frosting (thanks, Martha)!

Before the oven

Chocolate Cupcakes (Makes 12 cupcakes)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• ½ cup unsweetened coco powder
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 egg
• ¾ cup milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees


2. Mix flour, cocoa, baking powder, soda, and salt


3. In a spate bowl, cream butter and sugar on medium until light and fluffy


4. Reduce the speed to low and add vanilla


5. Incorporate the eggs into the mixture one at a time


6. Add milk and flour mixture alternately while still mixing


7. Pour into lined cupcake pan


8. Bake at 250 for 20 minutes

Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting (makes enough to frost 24 cupcakes)

Ingredients:

• 6 ounces cream cheese
• 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup heavy cream

Directions:

1. Beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar with a mixer on medium speed


2. Add salt, and then peanut butter, and then vanilla


3. Whisk cream until soft peaks form, and then fold into peanut butter mixture


4. Use immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. (Bring to room temperature, and beat on low speed until smooth before using.)

Thank You Notes

I have been doing a lot of in-school enrichment this past semester.  A lot meaning each week I am facilitating bullying lessons to 760 youth!  The lesson from this week was about manners and the importance of Thank You notes.  It’s a great lesson and I am so glad to introduce children to them.  Each week the lesson has a different “Power Phrase” and this lessons phrase: “Good Manners are the perfect way to show respect every day!" Just check our this awesome thank you note I received.

Wedding Wednesday: Modern Day Glass Slipper

I think I have been pretty emotionally stable throughout the wedding process (minus saying yes to a dress—that story will come at a later time).  This morning when the UPS truck driver stepped into my office he had no idea what he was getting himself into.  I knew it was my shoes—I have been tracking them nonstop since I placed the order Sunday afternoon.  Kudos to you UPS, I am impressed they got here so quick.  I was as excited as a little girl standing in line for cotton candy at the carnival!  The UPS driver was lucky he escaped without a hug—I was seriously contemplating it.  I ripped open the box with excitement and furry!   I have been prancing around my office since.