Easter Treats on the "Cheep"

My husband's plan to eat a little healthier this week must've really had an effect on my energy levels, because here I am with yet another post for the week. ;) {A personal record, I think!}

Who wouldn't be excited, though, by all the fun Easter preparations going on? In the food blogging world, I've seen a multitude of charming Easter projects, recipes, and treats. Check out some of my faves:

Coconut Bunny Cake. :)
Source: Baked Bree



Easter Chick Cupcakes!
Source: The Pastry Affair



HOMEMADE PEEPS!!!!!!!
Source: Twig & Thistle


If that doesn't inspire, then I don't know what will!

For me, it doesn't take much to spark the desire to get in the kitchen and crank out some new confections. But the truth is, trying out all these cute little projects can really impact the pocketbook if you're not careful. So, I set out this week to come up with cost effective Easter treats to share with family & friends.

I had some strict criteria for my search: They needed to be inexpensive, cute, and appeal to both young & old. After thinking it over, there was one well-loved snack that fit the bill perfectly: Rice Krispie Treats!

When I saw a version of these on The Novice Chef a few weeks ago, I knew it wouldn't be long before I made a batch of my own. With a little creativity, some embellishments, and some Easter chick cookie cutters {ok, it's actually a rubber ducky cookie cutter, but it doesn't hurt to use your imagination.}, these quickly became the perfect answer to my penny saving project. I handed them out to my co-workers, my students, and even the people at my husband's office, and everyone loved them! Mission accomplished. :)

Rice Krispie Treat Pops: Easter Edition

Adapted from Kellog's Rice Krispie Treats, and inspired by Jessica's post from The Novice Chef

You'll Need:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows
• - OR -
• 4 cups miniature marshmallows
• 6 cups Rice Krispies® or other puffed rice cereal
• 1 package Candy Quick or other candy coating
• Sprinkles, food coloring, lollipop sticks

Directions:

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

2. Add rice cereal. Stir until well coated.

3. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool.

4. Use desired cookie cutters to cut out shapes.

5. Heat candy coating 30 seconds at a time, until completely melted. (I only used 1/2 the package each time just to be safe.) If using food coloring, stir in a small amount until desired tint is reached.

6. Dip or spread coating onto cut outs, and embellish with sprinkles, etc., while still wet.

7. Wrap up in pretty packaging, and make someone smile! :)

Happy Easter, everyone!