My family is planning several get togethers over the holiday week. Of course, we always plan these events to be pot luck so that one person isn’t stuck fixing all the food. Depending on the day and the time of the event, we will be carrying in appetizers, side dishes for dinners, or cookies. Sometimes it is a challenge coming up with a recipe that does not require too much time or effort.

For the cookie carry in, I am bringing Rainbow Treats. This cookie is not really a cookie, but it is a very popular snack with the folks. Kids and adults gobble them up. You may know this treat by another name: Rice Krispies Treat.

I wanted something colorful and fun, so I bought a box of puffed rice cereal that featured multi-colored pieces. These would make great treats at a baby shower, or mother daughter tea party, so you might want to clip this recipe and save it for later!

Rainbow Treats Recipe

3 TB butter or margarine
10 oz marshmallows
6 cups puffed rice cereal, in rainbow colors

Butter a 9×13 baking pan and set aside. Melt the butter in a large pan over low heat. When the butter is melted, add marshmallows to the pan and stir. Continue heating over low until marshmallows are completely melted. Pour in rice cereal and stir until all cereal is coated with marshmallow. Scrape the rice mixture into the 9×13 pan. With wet hands, press until spread evenly in pan. Allow to cool for 30 minutes. Cut into squares and serve.

Make it a meal:  A glass of milk and a banana turn a serving of these treats into a breakfast.

Approximate Nutritional Information: Servings per Recipe: 12, Amount per Serving: Calories: 140, Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 10mg, Sodium: 105mg, Total Carbs: 28g, Protein: 1g.

Variations: This is the basic traditional Rice Krispies Treat from Kellogs. Of course, their recipe uses the plain golden colored rice cereal. You can substitute any puffed rice cereal you like, chocolate puffs for example would be very good!

Another variation that I have seen includes topping the treats with melted chocolate or icing. Talk about a sugar buzz going on! I would suggest this variation only if you are feeding the nephews, nieces or grandchildren and then sending them home.

You can freeze these treats for up to six weeks. Just layer the squares between waxed paper and package in an airtight container. When you are ready to eat, allow 15 minutes to thaw on the kitchen counter.

Yes, the holiday gatherings can be stressful. The best way to manage that stress is to plan out your part in each event. If you are the host, you will want to do as much ahead of time as possible. Also, delegate as much as possible. And remember, nobody knows what you wanted or planned to do, they only know what you did. So all those fancy decorations and gourmet dishes, if they do not make it to party time, forget about them and celebrate with your guests and the food that you have!

What is your go-to treat to take to family gatherings?

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