Spicy Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats

To me there's nothing better than a warm and gooey dish of Rice Krispies treats.  My mom gifted me with a bag of marshmallows when we moved into our apartment, so I was set on getting around to making some of the tasty morsels.

As I was pondering how I could put my own spin on them, I couldn't help but think of the Cocoa Krispies I used to down by the bowlful after track practice in high school.  Chocolate + cereal + milk = a hungry teenager's best friend :)  Then it hit me - CHOCOLATE Rice Krispy treats.

Since we had regular TJ's brand Rice Krispies, I decided to add cocoa powder and vanilla extract to the mix.  As an homage to fall, I threw in some cinnamon and nutmeg too for a little kick.  Don't worry, it's not too spicy...but the flavor definitely leaves you wondering what that extra something is.

Chocolate also calls for more chocolate.  I couldn't make chocolate Rice Krispy treats and not drizzle chocolate over the top.  That would be mean.

Bottom line: they're chocolatey deliciousness and I guarantee they'll be gone by the next day.  All of them.  Not that I would know or anything ;)

You'll need a little more than 5 cups of these...

...which you may melt with 1/4 cup of butter (Best Life spread in my pan) over low heat.

As the 'shmallows and buttah melt, add in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg:

Stir it all together.  Lookin' good so far :)

But wait.  Oh...just you wait.  Here is the crowning cocoa glory, 1 tablespoon to be exact.  Don't be shy.

Dust your lovely 'smallow mixture with the cocoa.

Add your vanilla.

Stir and take in all those incredible chocolately-spicy-marshmallowy aromas filling your nose.  This is heaven in a saucepan, no joke.  Look. At. That.

Add 8 1/2 cups of Rice Krispies...

...and stir.  Don't forget to eat bits along the way (how else will you get it off your fingers?).

Spread into your greased 9"x13" baking dish and press down evenly with your fingers or wax paper.  Eat some more.

Hold on there, you're not done yet :)  Pop a few of these babies in the microwave for 30 seconds or until melted.

Using a fork, drizzle over the top of your pan of glory.  Cry tears of joy at the wonder you have just created :)  Now that's dessert, baby!

Recipe: Spicy Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats
Adapted from the back of the Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallow bag :)

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
• 5 cups marshmallows
• 8 1/2 cups Rice Krispies
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1 tbsp. cocoa powder
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 a Hershey bar

Directions:

• In a large saucepan, melt butter and marshmallows over low heat. 
• Add cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and cocoa.  Stir until everything is well mixed. 
• Stir in Rice Krispies until they are evenly coated.
• Using a spatula or wax paper, evenly press the mixture into a greased 9"x13" baking dish.
• Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave for 30 seconds or until just melted.
• Using a fork, drizzle the chocolate over your Rice Krispies treats.  Allow to cool.