Happy Valentine's Day!

Barely unpacked from Disney and school Valentine's Day parties hover. This is not a time for panic or for any unpredictable recipes.  This is the time for Rice Krispie Treats.  OK, so Rice Krispie treats with a little spunk.   I don't know what it is about making Rice Krispie Treats that makes me feel so fully 'a mom.'  It is also impossible not to smile when making them...even when under pressure. This is basically a double batch, pressed into a sheet pan, cut out, stuck on a stick and drizzled.  The left-over scraps are for the chef  (or for any little vultures at your ankles).

Rice Krispie Heart Pops

2 10-ounce bags of marshmallows
1/2 stick of dairy-free margarine ( I used Fleishmann's Unsalted Margarine)
12 cups Rice Krispie cereal (or the cheaper Target brand!)

1.) In a microwave safe bowl, melt the marshmallows and margarine for 30 seconds at a time until soft. I think it took about 1 1/2 minutes for me.  Stir until smooth.
2.) Measure the cereal into another, really big bowl.  Dump the warm marshmallow mixture over the cereal and mix everything together.
3.) Line a sheet pan with some foil and press the mixture into the pan. Press down hard. Let the mixture cool.
4.) Remove the slab of treats to a cutting board, cut into shapes and insert the popsicle stick.
5.) Decorate as you wish.  I made the pink icing with a little powdered sugar, some water and pink food coloring.  I made the chocolate by melting some Enjoy Life chocolate chips in the microwave with a little shortening.
6.) Wrap in sandwich baggies secured with twisty ties or ribbon.

Makes about 20, depending on the size of your hearts

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