Gourmet Rice Crispy Treats (Gluten Free)

 These gourmet treats resemble "candy corn," 

but they taste so much better! Orange and lemon

add a very nice flavor note.

Ingredients:

nonstick cooking spray

9 cups crispy rice cereal

12 cups mini marshmallows

9 tablespoons butter

3/4 teaspoon fine salt (if using unsalted butter)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 tablespoon orange zest

1/2 teaspoon orange extract

red food color

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon lemon extract

yellow food color

Method:

Step One: Lightly coat a 5 by 9 loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat.and 4 cups marshmallows and 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional). Stir until melted, then add vanilla. Add 3 cups cereal and immediately transfer to pan. Coat a spatula with cooking spray and firmly press mixture into an even layer.

Rinse saucepan. Repeat step one twice. To second batch, add orange zest, orange extract and enough drops of red and yellow food coloring to tint marshmallow mixture orange before adding cereal. Press into pan on top of vanilla layer.

To third batch, add lemon zest, lemon extract and drops of yellow food coloring to tint marshmallow mixture yellow. Press firmly, in pan, on top of orange layer.

Let set 2 hours, or overnight. Run a knife around the edges of pan and invert loaf onto a cutting board. With a serrated knife, cut loaf into 10 slices. Cut each slice in half. Using your hands, gently mold each slice into a candy corn shape/ Place treats in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. Wrap each individual treats tightly in plastic wrap. Store in a container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Makes 20

Notes:

Can be stored for a week or two in the refrigerator. (Bring to room temperature before serving.) Paste food coloring can be used instead of liquid coloring. (I had orange color, but not any yellow.) These treats require extra effort, but they are special and impressive!