Fruity Marshmallow Cereal Bars

Ah, the Rice Krispie treat. One of the true classics of snacking. It was one of the first things we learned to make in Home Ec. back in middle school. It is such a simple recipe. As such, it begs to be messed with. Different cereals, bonus mix-ins, perhaps some toppings? Anything goes and usually works. This particular iteration came about due to the fact that I had a bag and a half of fruit flavored marshmallows slowly congealing in my pantry. I also had a half a box of Froot Loops looking for a home. I also had a HUGE back of shredded, sweetened coconut that I bought for reasons that have now escaped me. I combined them all and came up with a gem. These things are colorful and sweet as hell, but the fruit flavor and addition of coconut level things out a bit. If you don't like coconut, leave it out. I'll never know.  However, you'll still end up with a slightly different take on a classic snack. Let me know what you think as long as it's positive. As always, notes are in blue.

Fruity Marshmallow Cereal Bars

Ingredients

• 5 cups fruit flavored mini marshmallows (Kraft makes these, as do a couple other companies. They should be available at most grocery stores or online)
• 5 cups Froot Loops cereal (feel free to try this with other fruit flavored cereals, like Fruity Pebbles or Oops, All Berries.)
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together cereal and coconut.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment and grease the parchment. 
3. In a double boiler, at the butter and let it melt. Once the butter is melted, add the salt.
4. Add in the marshmallows one cup at a time, allowing them to completely melt.
5. Once the marshmallows are all melted, pour them into the mixing bowl and stir to get all the cereal and coconut evenly mixed into the marshmallow.
6. Pour out the mixture onto the baking sheet and level evenly. (we leveled ours to about 1" thick)
7. Allow to cool for a few hours, ideally in the refrigerator. 
8. Cut them into the shape of your choice and eat!

Gööd Times!