If Valentine’s Day had a mascot, it would be a big pair of lips. After all, a kiss is a good representation of Valentine’s Day. Of course, with the PC term now being “love” day to include everyone (so even more people can get in on the shopping–wink, wink), today I wanted to share with you a fun treat that works for anyone on your “love” day list–kids, friends, fiance, spouse. The best part is, you can make this any time of the year. It’s not just for Valentine’s Day.
I was glad to see that Hershey’s finally caught up with this idea and made these Christmas kisses.
But you may have a special someone in your life that doesn’t like chocolate (yes, there are crazies like that in the world–my husband is one of them), so this edible treat is perfect since it’s made out of a Rice Krispie treat, although I’m sure you could find a way to add chocolate if you really wanted to. I learned how to make these at a youth activity when I was 12, so this awesome idea has been around a long time (a-hem).
All you need for this are the ingredients for Rice Krispies, a funnel (any size will do), aluminum foil, and a piece of white 8 x 10 paper cut into ½-1-inch strips so you can write a message to express your gratitude, love, and appreciation to your awesome peeps.
First you rip extra large sheets of aluminum foil. This is what you’ll be wrapping your kisses in. Rip as many sheets as you are planning to make of the kisses. It’s better to make the sheets too large instead of too small.
Next, you need to write your kiss “notes” on the strips of paper. Remember to leave a little space blank where it will be inserted into the top of your Hershey kiss. You could write 5 things you love about them, a special memory, or why you’re glad they’re in your life. In this inverted picture (where I was having way too much fun editing) you can see the personalized notes a little easier.
Phew! Sentimental gushing. Check.
Now you’re ready to make your Rice Krispie treats. Don’t let this part stop you. You’ve already done the prep work. Keep going. Melt that butter (6 tablespoons) with the marshmallows (6 cups mini marshmallows) and then mix in your Rice Krispies cereal (6 cups). This is going to be a bit messy and sticky, but it will be worth it.
While your Krispie mixture is still warm, you’re going to put it inside the funnel and shape it. Again, it helps to use cooking spray or a little bit of melted butter inside the funnel. Make sure to also put a little oil on your hands or spray them as well to keep the mixture from sticking. Put as much as you can in the funnel until you can’t shove anymore in (real technical, see?)
Immediately remove it from the funnel by tipping it back up. It will have molded into the shape that looks like a gigantic Hershey kiss and should still be soft. You may have to use your fingers to help shape the top just a bit.
At this point, you can then wrap it in foil conforming the foil to fit the shape of your Hershey Rice Krispie treat. I do want to mention that if you’re making this ahead of time and won’t give it away for a few days, wrap it in plastic wrap before you wrap it in foil so that it will keep longer. Keep it open at the top until you add your paper message and then pinch it closed around the top with the paper tucked away inside the top.
Your spouse or friends or kids will love it almost as much as the real thing–if not more–because it’s bigger than those wimpy Hershey kisses (which take a million years to unwrap), it’s creative and fun, and it’s extra sweet because of your personalized message.
Who knows, you may even get some real kisses out of it! Now that’s what I call a successful Valentine treat. Enjoy!
Do you have any fun Valentine treats that don’t involve chocolate? (Of course, I’m happy to hear the ones with chocolate too;)