I can't believe I've never made rice krispie treats before. I've only had the prepackaged ones with the shiny blue wrapper and the little people in pointed hats. When bakeries carry housemade ones, they normally don't call out to me. I would be much more drawn toward the vibrant fruit tarts and luscious cakes.

D. asked me to make something for the banquet, so I went with this universally agreeable treat. Using the classic Kellogg recipe as a starting point, I played with the flavors, adding salt, peanut butter, and white chocolate. It was an easy recipe, made on the stovetop in one pot. I was tempted to eat it warm, standing by the stove, pulling off sticky clusters, and watching the marshmallow strands stretch to iridiscent strings.

Rice Krispie Treats

3 tbsp butter, unsalted

10 ounce bag marshmallow (snipe the regular ones in half, or use mini)

6 cups rice krispies

1 tsp salt

1/3 cup crunchy peanut butter

melted white chocolate to drizzle on top

In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add in marshmallow and peanut butter. Stir constantly until completely melted. Add in salt. Remove from heat. Add in rice krispies and stir until well coated.

Scrap into a 13x9 pan that has been either sprayed with oil or lined with parchment paper. Press down and smooth the top. Let cool and drizzle with white chocolate.

Apple Crisp

Apparently living off fried rice (no matter how many variations) is not conducive to food blog updating. But in between the quick bites there are some thought out dishes. So here's to my first update in 6 months. Oh massive fail.

The apple crisp was something made out of necessity. I had planned on making a French apple tart for a gathering, but ended up scratching the idea because I was too busy that day (nothing important, just had to attend my graduation ^^). But I had already peeled a bunch of apples and they were just sitting in the fridge looking sad. They weren't spectacular eating apples, so I thought I would transform them into something more delicious.

I usually use raw apples for crisps, but cooking them gives them more flavor, not to mention the butter-brown sugar mixture makes a great sauce. As for the cute ramekin - $1 at Michael's. Finally Valentine's Day has some use.

Apple Crisp

Filling:
6 medium apples (crisp, not mealy apples), peeled, cored, and cut in big chunks
2 tbsp butter
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
handful raisins

Topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
pinch salt
1/2 cup butter, melted

For Filling:Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add in apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and raisins. Cook until apples are slightly softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add in vanilla. Spoon into an 8x8 dish or into individual ramekins.

For Topping: Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and melted butter together. Spread over top of the filling.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes for the 8x8 and for 30 minutes for the ramekins.