Marshmallow and Crispy Rice treats -- the plant-based version

Howdy treat-lovers. There's no way to to make marshmallows and crispy rice  squares anything other than pretty much decadent and nostalgic. They are a treat, and there is no way around that. But at the same time, it's possible to use ingredients that do not support companies who oppress other humans. That's a fancy way of saying, buying processed ingredients like marshmallows and crispy rice cereal is an opportunity to say 'no thanks' to the practices of Big Food. We chose Dandies marshmallows, which is a product from Chicago Vegan Foods -- a small, family owned company. Nature's Path, who makes our crispy rice cereal of choice, is also a family owned company. Yes, these ingredients cost more than their Kraft or Kelloggs counterparts, and if you are someone who prefers to use more conventional ingredients, you do you with no judgment from me. 

warning: These treats have a great flavour and a great nostalgia factor!!

equipment needed:

1 large pot 

silicone scraper or large spoon for stirring

measuring spoons

measuring cups

square silicone pan, or glass pan lined with parchment

 

ingredients:

A)

1 263 g package of dandies vegan marshmallows (mini melts the most quickly, but full size is fine too, just be patient)

1 tsp vanilla extract

3/8 tsp himalayan salt

pinch tonka bean powder (optional)

4-6 tbsp coconut oil

B)

4 cups crispy rice cereal (we use brown rice cereal made by Nature's Path)

directions:

1. in a large pot, melt the marshmallows on low heat. When the marshmallows are melted into a soft cream, you can remove from heat and add the other ingredients, stirring well to fully incorporate. Note for the faint of heart -- vegan marshmallows are a little more effort to stir and incorporate than traditional marshmallows, so be prepared for a little more effort than you might expect.

2. once the marshmallow cream is smooth and homogeneous, stir in the crispy rice cereal.

3. scoop the mixture into a square silicone pan or a lined glass pan, and flatten. (you can flatten it with hands coated in coconut oil, or by putting a silicone mat or piece of parchment on top and pressing down firmly but gently.

3. cool on the counter. When fully cool, cut into pieces. You can remove it from the pan first, and cut it on a cutting board.

store in an airtight container.