Snap crackle pop. One morning, back when I was around seven years-old, I watched the Rice Krispies commercial and then decided to pour myself a bowl of cereal and poke my ear so close to the rice puffs just like the child actress did in the commercial. Basically, television was a teacher of mine. Having said that, I didn’t enjoy my bowl of Rice Krispies like she and many other children did.

But on the other hand, rice krispie treats, which were often loaded with sugar and marshmallows, were such a splendid treat. Given that I was much more accustomed to anything excessively sweet, this made perfect sense. Basically, if it had sugar, I’d eat it. So typical.

Upon returning from this year’s Fancy Food Show, I had a small sample of vegan marshmallows from Dandie’s! I have tried Dandie’s vegan marshmallows before, but at very sporadic events–maybe conventions, maybe other people’s homes? Honestly, I am not sure, but regardless, marshmallows are generally not a food I deeply missed once becoming vegan. Prior to my journey, I didn’t eat marshmallows at all with my hot chocolate (because you know, sugar). Once tasting all these vegan options, unless I ate a product with vegan marshmallows mixed into them, I never popped a marshmallow in my mouth like berries or pistachios. It’s probably better that way.

Anyhow, I was not certain as to what to do with the sample of vegan marshmallows given how rarely I use them. However, my sister suggested that we whip up some healthy rice krispy treats. At first, I wasn’t entirely certain about how the turnout would be, but once we whipped up the treats together, nothing could have worked out more perfectly.

Feel free to add in other fun ingredients such as cacao powder, dark chocolate chips, pretzels, whole grain cereal, nuts, seeds, goji berries, coconut, and more! Just try not to eat the whole batch in one sitting. Trust me–it’ll be quite challenging.

RECIPE (serves 4 large bars or 8-10 small pieces)

• 2 ounces of vegan marshmallows; I used the Dandie’s mini marshmallows
  • You can also substitute the marshmallows for a sticky sweetener such as
• 3-4 TBSP coconut oil
• 1/4 cup sticky sweetener of choice such as sugar free syrup, maple syrup, date syrup, bee free honey, etc.
• 1 1/4 cup puffed rice cereal or crispy rice cereal
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

PROCEDURE

1. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl. Set aside.
2. Set a small pot on medium heat. When the pot is warm enough, add the coconut oil.
3. Stir in the marshmallows, breaking down the pieces completely until the mixture is completely smooth.
4. Once the marshmallows are entirely melted, remove from heat.
5. Stir in the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes uniform and sticky. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature and integrate in additional ingredients.
6. Press the mixture into a small baking pan lined with parchment paper or nonstick spray.
7. Let refrigerate for twenty minutes.
8. When ready to cut, remove from chilling and allow the krispies to come to just about room temperature.
9. Slice as desired and serve.

What are your favorite “as seen on TV” foods?