Happy Canadian Thanksgiving.
Many of you have already eaten the turkey, and will have leftovers with a relaxing day off today, so here is entertainment for the kids to enjoy making - really - I have made these with 4 and 5 year olds - but I do admit I 'let' them eat their own creation. If you want picture perfect place settings or neighbor gifts you may want to do that separately - most kids can't resist finger licking or snacking as they go.
Yes you did see the process last year but that was just for fun. I hope this is a more serious and useful version you may actually be able to follow to create a treat.
Ingredients:
Krispie-rice cereal,
Butter (real butter = real taste)
Mini marshmallows
Sandwich cookies
(I prefer chocolate for contrast),
Candy Corn
1 container of icing
(or powdered sugar to make your own).
[And perhaps some pretty (disposable) plates
and Zip closure bags that the loaded plate will fit in for deliveries].
Note: Watch for Candy Corn in individual bags near Halloween. For group or class projects one bag per person, per turkey make these very handy.
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Find a largish bowl that can be microwaved
(the easy/lazy way) or a large kettle that will hold at least 8 cups (bigger is better). I tried it both ways. On the stove top the treats set harder and in the microwave they stay more soft and malleable.
It also depends on the brands you are using. The marshmallow brand at one store, that has 'great values', made treats that were way too soft and sticky. If you encounter this problem let the mix cool more before handling.
[Aside: I avoid this store as their icing sugar tastes like it is mostly starch!]
Note: Most mini marshmallows contain 6 cups - the ‘great value’ store brand does NOT!
RECIPE for krispie-rice treats:
1/4 cup butter (real butter = real taste)
6 cups of mini marshmallows
6-8 cups krispie-rice cereal
vanilla to taste (about 1/2 tsp)
I zap the butter just enough to melt it and then pour in about 2/3 of the marshmallows (whatever fits in with extra room to mix) and stir a little bit to coat with butter.
Next I microwave those marshmallows approximately 30 seconds until they soften (will depend on your power settings - I use high) and then add the rest of the marshmallows and zap them again until they are puffing and ready to beat.
Add vanilla and beat it in until smooth.
and stir until cereal is coated evenly.
Cool slightly.
I put a small amount of butter on my hands, and using a large spoon to scoop out the mix, make balls about 1 - 1/2" to 2" in diameter.
Do not make these too large.
Cooling helps the shapes hold together better -otherwise the mix tends to stick to your hands not itself and the butter just melts.
These are your turkey tummies.
Split sandwich cookies in half and if icing is not sticking onto the cookie remove it. If it is not firmly adhering to the cookie it will cause trouble later - the tail falls off or the tummy rolls off the base.
Spread inside of both cookie pieces with frosting.
Place ball firmly in center of one cookie.
Some cookie brands are quite fragile and break easily.
To avoid breakage always lay the cookie
on a flat surface when pressing the turkey tummies into place.
Next place that combination onto the other cookie half.
They are now in an L or chair (without legs) shape.
Next place that combination onto the other cookie half.
They are now in an L or chair (without legs) shape.
Place one Candy Corn, pointed tip down, at top center of cookie between tummy and cookie (chair back) but extending slightly above cookie edge.
Add an additional piece on either side, (making three) and then another one on both sides of those, making 5 all together.
These are the tail feathers.
If you run short of Candy Corn (as I always seem to do) use only 4 evenly spaced. Pieces of Candy Corn that arrive broken in the package can readily be used for feather 4 and 5. If needed dip the end of Candy Corn into icing to help secure it into place.
Sometimes I also find I need to gently encourage better shape by giving some pats and a squeeze here and there.
BE ADVISED: this is often when cookies break.
Last but not least select a very nice
Candy Corn for the turkey's beak and head.
Use frosting to 'glue' it to the front of the 'turkey tummy'.
Keep it fairly low to the base and if desired tilt slightly to create attitude.
I let the kids make and eat their own - it is my rule!
Some creative kid is sure to want to add more details –
check out these wonderful wings on this fellow.
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| wings invented and placed by a determined 6 year old |
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