Rice Chex Balls

If anyone made the Funfetti Puppy Chow with me last week, then you are in the same boat as I am this week: you have half a box of Rice Chex that you don't know what to do with (unless you eat cereal in the mornings).

Never fear, our next recipe is here! I quickly searched up "things to do with rice Chex" and was shocked that I did not think of doing this earlier. As the title suggests, I made Rice Chex Bars (basically Rice Kripsie Treats but with a different cereal). I thought they would make for a good snack (I am in a relationship with Rice Krispie Treats) or an easy on-the-go breakfast. I've actually never made Rice Krispies myself, as I think the store bought ones taste better, so this was an interesting experience.

I have a mild understanding of how these types of cereal bars come to existence, so I decided to forgo a recipe. This turned into quite the collaboration because I did not have any butter in my dorm. Thanks to my relentless complaining in the group chat, a friend offered to give me enough butter for this recipe, except when he got wind of what I was making, he decided he was going to make them with me. The interesting part of this story, we didn't make them until after 9p.m., and I didn't realize until then that I hadn't bought marshmallows yet. Another friend in the same building just happened to have marshmallows, which we may or may not have taken from his room since he never locks his door ("That's why you should always lock your door," we said). Of course we shared with him as well, since we all contributed in some way to these treats.

Here's what you'll need (we do not endorse theft here at Little Cub Cooks):

Pardon my messy desk.

1. Half a stick of butter (4 Tbsp.)
2. Rice Chex
3. 1 bag of marshmallows

Now, as you can see, I (read: my friend) only had about half a bag, so we just adjusted the amount of cereal used. With half a bag of marshmallows we used approximately one fourth of the box of Chex.

You will also need, once again, as big a bowl as possible. We split the melted marshmallow into two bowls and each mixed a portion. While this recipe was rather messy, it was enjoyable with friends, so I suggest recruiting a friend to endure with you.

Step 1: Melt the butter in the microwave. (You can do this in the same bowl you plan to put the marshmallows in to reduce dirty dishes.) This only takes about 45 seconds.

Step 2: Add the marshmallows to the melted butter, mixing to coat the marshmallows evenly.

Step 3: Microwave the marshmallows until melted.

Step 4: Add the rice chex and mix until evenly coated.

Step 5: Shape into balls and place a plate in the fridge to set.

If you have wax paper or plastic wrap (or a pan) those would work best, but two plates worked just fine for the amount we made. We scooped a spoonful of cereal into our hands and made balls, but you can also make cereal bars, or any other shape. The balls were already practically set by the time they were all made, but we still placed them in the refrigerator for maybe fifteen minutes.

The only snacks left after 2 boys ravished them.

I am actually very satisfied with the way these turned out. It was a little bit of a hassle to make, but with enough time and some company, I really enjoyed making this recipe. It requires very little actual skill, just love and lots of wet wipes. I hope you can enjoy making Rice Chex Balls as well!