Trail Mix Rice Krispies Treats

Today's recipe is definitely one my dad would greatly appreciate and enjoy! I'll have to make it for him when I visit in July. I'm just sorry that I didn't box a few up and send them his way. Growing up, my dad always enjoyed a sweet treat with his morning coffee. He would literally wait to drink his coffee until he could scrounge up something tasty to go along with it. My mom would stock the pantry with the little 99 cent wafer cookies or the ones that were fudge drizzled with the hole on the center that perfectly fit on my tiny fingers. So I just know, that this treat would go nicely with his morning up of joe. 

If you hadn't guessed, I inherited my love for all things sweet from him. My appreciation for pies, cakes, cookies, and most of all donuts can be attributed to the vast array of treats my father introduced me to. But to be honest he totally deserved every single one. My dad is literally the most hardworking man that you will ever know. He gives a 110% every single day. He gets up before the sun, comes home late and never complains. He was always active in his job as an arborist, climbing trees, mowing lawns, and planting trees. He inspired me to be in a job that kept me active and healthy. I'll admit, partly to support my sugar habit. And this recipe will satisfy any sweet tooth. It is super versatile, using whatever you have in your pantry. Simply take the traditional rice krispies recipe and scale down the amount of cereal and then up the add ins. 

Trail Mix Rice Krispie Treats

5 cups Rice Krispies cereal

1- 10.5 oz bag of mini marshmallows

3 Tbsp. butter

1 cup pretzel sticks, broken in half

1/3 cup Peanut Butter M&M's (or your favorite!) 

1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted

In a large microwave safe bowl, combine marshmallows and butter. Microwave for 1 minute, stir then microwave an additional 30 seconds-1 minute or until butter is completely melted and combined with marshmallows (use a silicon spatula so the marshmallow doesn't stick!). Once melted, add cereal, pretzels, and M&M's stirring until combined. Press mixture into a 9x13 pan (I use wax paper to press evenly down). Freeze for 15 minutes. Place chocolate chips in a small microwave safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then microwave for additional 30 seconds. Once the treats are ready, cut into squares. Then dip the top of the squares into the melted chocolate. Keep refrigerated for best results! 

I only put chocolate on half of the treats and left the other half "plain". They were equally delicious! I packed them up for a quick hike around my favorite trail to enjoy with friends. You could use any candy in place of the M&M's (chopped Snickers, Kit Kat, or Reese's would work). I like the added pretzels because it gives the treat a sweet & salty taste. These were addicting and didn't last long. I had to bring them into work or else I would have been guilty of eating the entire pan. 

Currently, I am meal prepping for the week and there is a blackberry pie that I'm dying to share with you! First, I must have a slice to taste test. I wouldn't dare share a recipe that wasn't first verified with a taste. Be on the look out! 

I hope you all are enjoying your Father's Day and celebrating those you love most today. Dad, if you read this have a very Happy Day! I miss you and love you to pieces! 

Blueberry Whisk

The sun is shining and there is a gentle flutter of shadows cast over my floor as the wind blows through the trees outside my window. The weather is finally cooperating, and I am in the most peaceful trance as I type these words. I'm excited to share something a little different with you all today. Sorry no food today, but I think something even better.

Since summer is almost here, what better way is there to celebrate than with a cocktail?! I whipped up this recipe post recovery. On a side note, surgery went great and I can actually breathe again. Thanks for all of the kind texts, cards, flowers, and balloons! They brightened my week! OK, back at it. All of the ingredients were in the house already and I decided to put a little of this and a little of that in a shaker and see what resulted. The best cocktails to me are fresh, a little sassy, and packs a punch. This recipe has it all!

Blueberry Whisk
1 part whiskey (I used Gentlemen Jack)
2 parts light lemonade (I used all natural Trader Joe's Brand)
5-6 blueberries
2-3 mint leaves, torn (more for garnish, if desired)
1 tsp. turbino sugar
Lots of Ice

In a shaker, place blueberries, sugar, and mint. Using a muddler, blend ingredients into a pulp. Add ice, whiskey, and lemonade. Give the shaker a few good shakes! To serve, remove shaker top and pour in tumbler glass. Add straw, garnish, and enjoy!

This would be a great cocktail to add to your summer BBQ menu. It's so refreshing and has the perfect amount of kick from the whiskey. If you're not a whiskey fan, remove the sugar and try vodka! I will definitely be making these for friends and serving alongside some yummy snacks. I can't wait to muddle away again!

Friends, I need your help! I'm getting in the habit of posting more often and with that I would like to expand my social media reach of One Recipe at a Time. Will you help me? If you try a recipe from One Recipe at a Time will you throw me a hashtag bone? Tag me on Instagram @goldsmre #OneRecipeAtATime Or share my blog on Facebook! Anything would be great and I'd be happy to support you back.

Love to you all! Let me know what you'd like to see next in the comments below!