20130608_141335

Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats

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Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats #StPatrick'sDay #rainbow

I whipped up a batch of these treats for my kids this afternoon and they were a hit. This is a very simple recipe and a fun twist on the regular rice kirspie treats. I think these would be perfect for a little girl’s slumber party or birthday snack for school.

Ingredients:

1 bag (16 oz.) mini marshmallows

1 stick of butter

3 cups Fruity Pebbles or store-brand fruity rice cereal

5 cups Rice Krispies

 

Directions:

  1. Butter a rimmed cookie sheet or 9 x 13″ casserole dish and set aside.
  2. In a large pot over medium heat melt the cube of butter.
  3. Add the marshmallows and stir until they are completely melted, no lumps. Remove from heat.
  4. Pour in the rice cereals and mix well.
  5. Spread coated cereal onto the cookie sheet. Pat down with the back of a spatula, or with buttered hands.
  6. When completely cooled, cut into bars and store in an air-tight container to keep fresh for a few days–if they last that long!
fruity and plain rice cereal #rainbow krispies

I like to measure out all the cereal before starting.

Rainbow rice krispies

I like to spread a little butter on my hands and press them down into the pan. Much easier than using a spatula.

Tips:

  • This recipe makes chewy rice krispie treats. If you like them stiffer, add additional cereal, up to 2 cups more and allow to cook for a minute before removing from heat.
  • I recommend keeping the ratio of fruity cereal to plain at 50% or less. The fruit flavor is not overwhelming and the result is prettier than trying to use 100% fruity rice cereal.
  • For an extra pop of color and fun, press Skittles candies into the top of the coated cereal after it spread in the pan and cooling.
  • This would also be a great treat for St. Patrick’s Day!
Rainbow rice krispie squares

These went fast! The kids loved them. The fruity flavor was not overwhelming, so they were great for kids and adults.

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Sunset Fingerling Potatoes

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

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This is a simple side dish that goes well with roasted meats. I like to serve this with my Roasted Chickens because it’s just as easy and can be put in the oven about 45 minutes before the chickens are done.

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes #sidedish #potatoes

Ingredients:

2 pounds of fingerling potatoes, any color

2-3 TBSP olive oil

2 tsp kosher salt

Directions:

  1. Heat oven to 400°F. Wash potatoes thoroughly to remove dirt/sand. Pat dry.
  2. Place potatoes on a heaving baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Shake pan to coat.
  3. Sprinkle with sea salt and cook until tender, up to 45 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes.

Notes:

  • My local store carries several varieties of fingerlings in ready to grab bags like the one shown below.
  • To jazz it up a bit, add freshly chopped herbs like parsley, rosemary or thyme to the potatoes before cooking.
  • You could also use a flavor-infused olive oil, such as garlic olive oil.

 

bagged fingerling potatoes #sidedish #potatoes

These grab and go bags make it easy to pick the right size potatoes and come in fun color combinations!

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20130521_181028

Rice Pilaf

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Did you know that you can make rice pilaf at home without a box of Rice a Roni? Yep, it’s actually very easy. I had never made it before but had an idea of what the process would be. I was very pleased with how it turned out and it was a hit with my husband who is a pilaf fan!

Homemade Rice Pilaf

That’s one more prepackaged food gone from my pantry! I’ve already done away with pancake and biscuit mixes. I try not to use boxed cake mix unless I’m in a real time crunch. I’m finding that keeping a well stocked pantry makes it easy to make most everything from scratch.

Ingredients:

1 cup long grain white rice (I used Basmati)

3 TBSP  orzo pasta

1 TBSP butter

1 TBSP vegetable oil

1/4 cup minced onion

1 bay leaf

2 cups water

1 TBSP chicken bouillon paste

1 TBSP dried parsley flakes

Directions:

  1. Heat butter and oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add rice and orzo and cook until lightly browned.
  2. Add onion and bay leaf, stir until onion is translucent.
  3. Add water, bouillon and parsley; stir until well combined.
  4. Allow to come to a boil, then turn down to a simmer and cover.
  5. Cook for about 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.

Notes:

  • I think I will add a little minced fresh garlic next time, when adding the onion.
  • If you don’t have Better Than Bouillon paste, a cube of bouillon would work fine.
  • You could use chicken broth instead of water for a stronger chicken flavor.

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Gilroy gardens gate sign

Frugal Friday: Gilroy Gardens Season Pass Value Pack at Costco

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Gilroy gardens gate signIf you live anywhere near Gilroy Gardens and have kids under 12 you should consider picking up discount season passes at Costco right now. They sell two season passes for $44 which is half price! You just can’t beat $22 each for a season pass, what a deal. That’s less than a kid’s season pass at the gate ($34) and less than the online discount price ($29).

A friend told me that Costco will pull these right before Memorial Day. If you want to be sure to get this deal you need to do it now. According to their website, prices online go up on June 1st as well.

The park is currently open only on the weekends right now. The schedule changes to everyday beginning June 6th. I like to take the kids first thing in the morning on a weekday. It’s very quiet and easy to get on the rides. Lines are minimal and we can see a lot in a short amount of time.

One thing to note: these are regular season passes, which they call “value memberships” that provide unlimited admission all summer.  I’ve heard you can upgrade them to Premium Memberships at the gate to take advantage of the free parking and 20% discount of food inside the park. My plan is to upgrade one pass to Premium so I can get free parking and the food discount. They don’t allow outside food, but I usually bring in some water and a snack like Goldfish without any trouble. The food there is actually good, and there are healthy choices like salads available.

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