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‘Tis the season for entertaining! We’ve been in the kitchen for weeks baking, cooking, tasting, and having a blast preparing all kinds of eats and treats for our family in preparation for Christmas. We alternate the family that hosts our meal which means this year, we’re off the hook. However, we will still be bringing several side dishes so I’ve had to come up with ideas that I can prepare ahead of time and will travel well.
If you’re looking for last-minute holiday entertaining, I highly recommend checking out Walmart’s Holiday Entertaining Guide. I printed the guide and circled several of their ideas including the Marshmallow Snowman, the Holiday Surprise Punch, the Cranberry Orange Pecan Butter Roll, and the Pizza Biscuit Wreath.
We had an opportunity to sample several of the ready-made and prepared foods during my recent trip to Bentonville. I was particularly surprised at how quick and easy these entertaining solutions are and they look amazing! All of the ideas and recipes from Walmart’s Holiday Entertaining Guide can be found on their Pinterest Page or by visiting Walmart.com/HolidayFoodIdeas.
Since Rice Krispie Treats are a staple in our household this time of year, I thought I’d re-create their Tree Trimmer Treats. Here is our short video detailing How To Make Rice Krispie Tree Trimmer Treats.
These easy-to-make, delicious treats make adorable food gifts. Just remember to make them the same day so your recipients can enjoy them fresh!
- 12 red string licorice 6" lengths
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 4 cups of miniature marshmallows
- 6 cups Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal
- Red and green frosting
- Mini M&M’s brand chocolate candies
- Festive cupcake liners
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In large saucepan, melt butter over low heat
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Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted
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Remove from heat
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Add Rice Krispies cereal and stir until well coated
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Using a ½ cup measuring cup coated with cooking spray, divide warm cereal mixture into 12 portions
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Using buttered hands, shape each portion into ornament shapes around licorice ends
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Cool
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Decorate with frosting and M&M’s
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Display in cupcake liners
Recipe via Kellogg's, used with permission
This is a fun baking project for kids because it is simple and straightforward, without a lot of steps or prep. Kids can shape their “ornaments” and then decorate them…if they don’t eat them first!
If you look at my recipe, I’ve adapted it slightly based on our experience. Here are my tips for success:
1. Be sure to use fresh marshmallows and real butter to ensure your Rice Krispie Treats come together nicely.
2. Allow the mixture to cool slightly so kids can get involved in the process of shaping their ornaments.
3. The original recipe includes a miniature marshmallow at the top of the ornament where the licorice piece is pushed through. I’m not sure if our licorice was too thick but we found that the marshmallow kept falling apart so we omitted this step. I still think they look great!
4. Use a small amount of frosting to attach each of the mini M&Ms.
Once you’ve decorated your Tree Trimmer Treats and allowed them to dry, place them in the cupcake liners, wrap them with plastic, and tie a ribbon on them to gift.
What are your favorite holiday entertaining ideas? I’d love to share them below!
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