I am hoping someone can help me with this. I want to make Rice Krispy Treats for my kids. The problem is the ingredients in marshmallows and marshmallow cream. Does anyone know if they make organic marshmallows or marshmallow cream. Which store? I have a Whole Foods but it's a drive. Any other store to check? Does Whole Foods for SURE have such a thing.
Any other ideas on how to make the RK treats more mom-friendly. Any marshmallow subs?
Trader Joe's carry organic brown rice marshmallow 'bars'. They seems to be healthy and is about 100 calorie each. Just in case you want to buy one instead of making from scratch.
Not long ago, I made rice crispy treats with an organic brown crispy rice cereal (looked like tan Rice Krispies).
I did end up using regular marshmallows, because I couldn't find anything better. I did consider using the candy recipe from my mom's popcorn ball recipe - but since I didn't have a clue how much to make, and don't really like working with hot sugar - I just decided to go with regular marshmallows, but I did change the recipe to be lower in sugar and fat.
I used 1/4 the amount of butter called for, and then added an equal measure of canola oil. Also, instead of the 8 cups of cereal the recipe called for, I used 12 cups.
They were awesome. Even better than the regular recipe, in my opinion. Not quite as sweet as the standard recipe, and because the cereal still has the bran layer on the rice, it's a bit chewier.
Mandalinn, thank you for the help. Unfortunately, I am in Texas. I will check WF. Kaplods, yes! I found organic rice krispy cereal. The problem with marshmallows is the artificial colors and the artificial flavors. I don't mind if they have some sugar over the weekend but the fake stuff--no way.
Mandalinn, thank you for the help. Unfortunately, I am in Texas. I will check WF. Kaplods, yes! I found organic rice krispy cereal. The problem with marshmallows is the artificial colors and the artificial flavors. I don't mind if they have some sugar over the weekend but the fake stuff--no way.
I don't remember the ingredients in the marshmallows I used, but I tried to pick the least fake brand. I do remember being surprised that the best was also the cheapest (a store brand I think). I only remember there being one ingredient that I really wished wasn't there (and I can't even remember what it was).
If I run across it again (I think I'll recognize it if I see it), I'll post it here.
Thanks. Hey, I just Googled "homemade marshmallow cream" and got some hits. It looks like the idea is to whip the egg whites with cream of tartar and until they peak and then add in light karo. I will try it out tomorrow I think. I am in the mood to cook!
I know you have probably already moved past this thread, but Martha Stewart has a marshmallow recipe on her website. I can't remember what is in it now, but I imagine you could use it just like you would store-bought marshmallows. She does all kinds of fun things with them (make them into bone shapes for Halloween, uses snowflake cookie cutters for fancy hot chocolate marshmallows).
You'd probably still need to go to Whole Foods for the agar agar flakes, but otherwise these look about as healthy as you're going to get for a rice krispie treat.
Marshmallows used to be made out of a plant called (surprisingly enough)marshmallow (or Althea). In ancient times they were considered a soothing medicinal for coughs. Today, marshmallows are made with gelatin (not vegan), corn syrup, and other nasties ... so that's progress for you... But I think I would would try the alternative recipes posted above.
If you don't have an issue with gelatin, Alton Brown's marshmallow recipe is to die for and makes the awesomest brown rice crispty treats! They contain just sugar, corn syrup (I use the non-HFCS kind), vanilla, water, salt and cornstarch (for coating, mixed with sugar).