Fruity Marshmallow Krispy Treats

As a kid, I ate my fair share of sugary treats.

(I mean, I still do, let's be honest.)

But not when it came to cereal.

My favorites were the likes of plain Cheerios, corn or rice Chex, Crispix, Rice Krispies, Kix and maybe as far as Frosted Mini Wheats if I was feeling crazy.

To this day, those are probably my faves.

I can remember attending coveted sleepovers at my aunt Cary's house, and we would eat peanut butter and/or chocolatey cereal for breakfast (among a host of other junk foods- it was glorious).

But any exceptions to my low-sugar cereal rule were purely of the vanilla-frosted, peanut butter, or chocolate variety - never fruity.  You most certainly would not catch Apple Jacks, Lucky Charms, or Fruit Loops anywhere near my bowl.

Point being, there are no feelings of nostalgia from this girl when it comes to Fruity Pebbles.

Nope, I made these bars strictly for their rainbow fun factor, as a treat for a family pool party we attended recently.

I figured the kids would like them, and maybe a few parents would possess the nostalgia for the Flintstones-themed cereal that I lack.

As for me, I thought it was going to hate them.

But, no.

Unfortunately for my waist line, I liked them very much indeed.  And pretty much all the parents agreed.

"Why would anyone even make plain krispy treats when these exist?" mused one mom, munching away on the artificially-flavored fruity, marshmallowy goodness.

Not sure I'd go that far. Still love me a ol' plain vanilla krispy treat.

(Check out these white-chocolate dipped pops Grayden & I made for his ghost-themed birthday party.  In June. LOL, that's our boy.)

But anyway, I'm trying to say that even if you don't love fruity cereal, I would give these a try.

They might just change your mind.

Fruity Marshmallow Krispy Treats

• 8 T. butter
• 1 1/2 bags (9 C.) mini marshmallows, divided Pinch salt
• 1 t. pure vanilla extract
• 4 cups plain crisped rice cereal
• 6 cups fruity crisped rice cereal

Generously grease a 9x13 pan, or line with nonstick foil- set aside.

In large pan, melt butter over low heat. Add 6 cups of the marshmallows (1 bag) and stir over low heat until completely melted and mixture is homogeneous. Add vanilla and salt, mix to combine. Remove from heat.

Add cereal, and mix to combine. Then add remaining 3 C marshmallows (1/2 bag) and stir to incorporate. Empty mixture into prepared pan. Grease hands with oil and very gently press the mixture evenly into the pan- do not press down firmly & compact the mixture, or the treats will be hard. Allow to cool & cut into squares.

Recipe Adapted from Chelsea's Messy Apron