FRIENDS. I'm writing I'm writing I'm not writing a paper, I'm not writing because I have to, I'm not writing to be persuasive or grammatically correct or to utilize my critical thinking skills I'm just WRITING. I'm writing because I want to talk to you and I want to wax poetic about things like rice krispy treats.
I missed you.
I've had a hella couple of weeks. Obligations on top of homework on top of just really frustrating things that kept happening. So I'm giving myself this evening off. I stayed away from tear-inducing paper brainstorming sessions and went to some office hours instead. I did some awkward socializing I really didn't want to do and talked to some alumni about their experiences studying a foreign language while eating provided refreshments. I goofed around with classmates and spoke up during discussion sections even when I wasn't super confident. I went home for meals to play with the cat and laugh with my awesomesauce roomie. I kinda liked today, taking it easy was nice. And much needed.
But these krispies were not made during a time of take-it-easiness. In fact, these were made months ago...wowza. However, they do have some fond memories attached to them. On a texture note, personally I found them to be best when microwaved for just a bit once they've been chilling on your counter for a day or two. Then, if it all possible, you should eat them fairly later in the evening in your living room after a fun, if long night out. Your cat will probably meow/beg at you, and that's fine, just don't forget to share with the good friend you have crashing on your cheap futon.
Late at night with friends is definitely the best time to consume these sweet, malty, and lightly salted treats. Because the malted milk will remind you of your dad, and how he taught you the three best ice cream toppings (although definitely not altogether...): Magic Shell, Creme de Menthe, and Malted Milk Powder. You'll sit and ruminate on this, and get all serendipitous. And in your mildly buzzed state you can discuss this with said friend crashing on your futon, while a cat rubs against your legs and purrs.
If you can't finish this rich little treat, wrap it up and save it for the morning that's coming in just a few hours. Go to bed, savoring this slightly fancier version of a treat you have always always always loved so much, and don't forget your water bottle because you will be very thirsty very soon. Sleep, dream. And then the next day, go to brunch with your friend and drink coffee or tea. Eat great food in a small place that smells amazing. Accept that it's the end of the weekend, and believe that you can accomplish all that you have to this week. Remember that college is for learning, but also very much for making memories and having fun. As you tidy up after your friend, give him a bagful of rice krispy love to share with his roomies. Also, thank Joy the Baker for an amazing recipe you managed to find a 30 minute time window for to throw together and photograph.
Keep baking, keep piano playing, keep writing, keep doing whatever you have to do to keep yourself in a healthy state of mind. That is so much more important than whatever else you're putting ahead of it. Because hey! You never know where those quirky little habits can take you. They may even get you published in the school newspaper. :)
Malted Milk Rice Krispies
Yield: 9 squares, or 12 smaller ones
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 cups mini marshmallows + 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 cups rice cereal
- 1/3 cup malted milk powder
- 1 cup coarsely chopped Whoppers candy
- Coarse sea salt, for topping
Directions:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Melt butter until it begins to crackle and sizzle. This means the water is cooking out of the butter and the butter will begin to brown. Add 8 cups of marshmallows to the melted butter just as it begins to brown and reduce heat to low. Add salt and stir until the marshmallows are completely melted, and the marshmallows and butter are thoroughly combined. Quickly add the rice cereal and malt powder and stir to combine. Now stir in the remaining two cups of mini marshmallows.
Allow mixture to cool just slightly before adding 3/4 cups of the Whoppers candy. Stir until just combined.
Press the mixture into a 9×9-inch square greased pan. Use a greased piece of wax or parchment paper to firmly press the mixture into the pan. The krispies will be thick. Press the remaining Whoppers pieces into the top of the treats. Allow to rest at room temperature until set and sliceable.
Slice into 9 large squares or 12 smaller and wrap individually. Treats will stay fresh for up to five days.
Sources: Joy the Baker and Cookies and Cups
