A Great Frozen Rice Crispy Treat for Kids

It's hot out and I like to see the kids get a bit of nutrition as they cool off. That is when I start making Rice Krispy Ice Cream Sandwiches. This consists of ice cream interlayered with rice crispy squares. The squares are then frozen and the tips are dipped in chocolate.

The following recipe makes twelve servings. It's a perfect treat for a crowd of kids.

Ingredients

2 cups (500 mL) vanilla ice cream
8 oz (227 mL) semisweet chocolate, chopped (or you can use sweet if you like or even multicolored chocolate chips!)
1/4 cup (50 mL) coloured sprinkles
Rice Crisp Squares:
5 cups (1.25 L) regular marshmallows, (about 40)
1/4 cup (50 mL) melted butter
1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla
5 cups (1.25 L) rice crispy cereal

Preparation:

Line bottom of 13- x 9-inch (3.5 L) metal or rubber cake pan with parchment paper; grease sides. Set aside for later.

Make the rice crispy squares first. The classic directions for making them are — In saucepan over medium-low heat, melt marshmallows with butter, stirring constantly, until smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. The directions are also on the side of the cereal box.

Add half of the cereal to pan; stir until combined. Add remaining cereal; stir to coat completely. Scrape into greased bowl; let cool enough to handle, about 5 minutes. Using greased hands, press firmly into prepared pan. Let them cool completely before you try to remove them from the pa or you might be sorry!

Run knife around edges of pan and then move the rice krispies rfrom pan and peel off paper. Cut crosswise in half.

Spread half evenly with ice cream; place remaining half on top. Wrap in plastic wrap; freeze in airtight container until firm. (This usually takes about four hours.) Cut into six squares; cut each in half diagonally to make wedges.

Meanwhile, in heatproof bowl over saucepan of hot (not boiling) water, melt chocolate; let cool.

Dip one corner of the wedge triangle halfway into chocolate; smooth with knife. Place colored sprinkles on waxed paper; press chocolate edge into sprinkles. Wrap individually in plastic wrap a freeze in airtight container until firm. These taste the best if served within four days of making them.

These treats are easy to make but they also look a bit fancy. You could serve them at a birthday party or a sweet sixteen party as well.

Growing Kitchen Herbs With Your Kid

If you want a fun project to do with your kids try planting herbs. Not only does a herb garden connect kids with nature it gives them an education in the culinary arts (if you explain what the various herbs are good for.)

Best of all, an herb garden requires little investment in time or money. You can grow herbs from seed with your kids, or purchase 'plugs' which are small bedding plants. The miracle of watching a seed turn into a plant is very exciting for kids.

Keeping the garden organic is ecologically good for kids as well. Don't use fertilizers, sprays or chemicals. Little ones can pick and much on herbs as they like.

A great kid-friendly herb is basil. Look for seeds that are guaranteed to be fusarium free. You can make pesto all summer out of the basil. All you have to do is mulch the herb into a paste in your food processor.

Chives are also a wonderful herb to plant. Plant them once and they will grow back year after year. Chives are great in tuna sandwiches and omelets.

Mint grows fast and like a weed. It is a great choice for a window box. You can make tea out of it. Keep in mind that once you start growing mint it is going to grow in your yard forever. The same goes for lemon balm.

Oregano is another invasive herb that is easy to grow. It is great in spaghetti and other sauces. It also has a lovely scent.

Thyme is also a great herb to grow because it is so decorative. It twines around rocks and arbors easily and can actually grow quite tall.

Other great herbs for growing in a garden with your kids are –

Dill – Great in everything including eggs, dips and salads

Tarragon – Tastes like licorice and great on fish

Sage – This is nice on a pasta with cream sauce

Parsley – They can nibble on it raw and it goes great with everything including salmon, salads and pasta

Chervil – This is a lovely delicate version of parsley with lovely little white flowers

Rosemary – This goes great with lamb or sprinkled on potatoes

Coriander – This is great in salads and also on steaks

Savory – This is an acquired taste but it does go great on meat.

Putting together a herb garden is a great project that the entire family can do together!