Crunchy Chocolate Treats

When we have weekend guests at the lake, it's nice to have a big glass jar of these for snacking while watching a movie or playing cards.   They are also great to bring along in plastic containers on picnics and boat rides.  

To make squares instead of clusters, use a wet spatula and evenly spread mixture into a buttered 9-by-13-inch baking pan.  Let set before cutting with a serrated knife. I find that a small ice cream scooper works the best.


Ingredients

Makes 2 dozen

4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces

1 bag (10 ounces) mini marshmallows

8 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

6 cups rice cereal

3/4 cup peanut-butter chips


Directions


1.In a large, deep saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces, over low heat, about 4 minutes. Add 1 bag (10 ounces) mini marshmallows; cook, stirring, until melted, 6 to 8 minutes.

2.Add 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped; cook, stirring, until melted, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat. Quickly fold in 6 cups rice cereal and 3/4 cup peanut-butter chips until evenly distributed.

3.Coat a 1/4-cup dry measuring cup with nonstick cooking spray; scoop mixture onto waxed paper, forming clusters. Let set, about 10 minutes. Store in an airtight container for up to several days.

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Read more at Marthastewart.com: Crunchy Chocolate Treats - Martha Stewart Recipes

Look What I Found...Cinnamon Almond Croissants!

If you want to impress a special loved one, serve these with hot chocolate as a midnight snack.  Save some for breakfast the next morning!

P.S. Better practice...Valentine's Day is just around the corner!



Ingredients

1 package (17.3 ounces) Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry Sheets (2 sheets)

1/2 cup canned almond filling

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 egg, lightly beaten


Directions


Thaw the pastry sheets at room temperature for 40 minutes or until they're easy to handle. Heat the oven to 400°F. Stir the almond filling and cinnamon in a small bowl. Unfold the pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each pastry sheet into 4 (about 5-inch) squares.

Spread 1 tablespoon almond mixture on each pastry square to within 1/4-inch of the edge. Fold the pastry squares over the filling to form a triangle. Starting at the wide end, roll up the pastry triangles toward the point. Place the pastries, point-side down, on a baking sheet. Curve the ends of the pastries inward to form a crescent shape. Brush with the egg.

Bake for 20 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown.


Recipe: Pepperidge Farm