Black Cat Rice Cereal Treat Pops Recipes

BLACK CAT POPS

Steps:

• Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Set aside.
• In a food processor, combine the figs, almond butter and water. Blend until smooth, scraping down the side of the bowl as needed with a rubber spatula. Using a small ice-cream scoop, scoop 1 tablespoon of the fig mixture at a time and roll into 1 1/2-inch balls. Insert a lollipop stick into each fig ball.
• Place the chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon of the oil in a medium bowl. Place the bowl over a small saucepan of barely simmering water and stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes.
• Drop the fig balls into the melted chocolate and, using a fork, roll to coat evenly. Remove the fig balls, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl, and place on the baking sheet. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until the chocolate has set.
• Using a small pair of scissors, cut the fruit leather into small squares to make noses for the cats and triangles for the ears. Dip the ends of the ears in the leftover dark chocolate and stick them on the cats. Repeat with the squares for the noses.
• Place the white chocolate and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of the oil in a medium bowl. Place the bowl over a small saucepan of barely simmering water and stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes. Cool slightly. Transfer the chocolate to a piping bag fitted with a small plain tip. Pipe eyes and whiskers on the cats. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.

CLASSIC CRISPY RICE TREATS

Steps:

• Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on each of the longer sides. Spray the foil lightly with cooking spray.
• Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the marshmallows and cook, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and salt.
• Working quickly, add the rice cereal to the pot and stir with a rubber spatula until evenly coated. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and press into an even, compact layer. (Spray your hands with a little cooking spray to keep them from sticking when pressing the cereal mixture into the pan). Decorate with toppings if using (see Cook's Note).
• Let sit at room temperature until firm, about 30 minutes. Cut into 24 squares. Store the cereal treats at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

CRISPY CEREAL TREATS

Steps:

• Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with softened butter. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add marshmallows; cook, stirring, until melted. Remove from heat.
• Stir in cereal and chosen mix-ins to combine. Press into prepared pan; let stand until firm, about 1 hour. Cut into squares and serve, or store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.

BLACK CATS

Steps:

• Cut licorice strands into 24 (1/2-inch) pieces for whiskers and 4 (4-inch) pieces for tails.
• Using icing to secure candies, make face on top of each cake roll. Use black gumdrops for ears, baking bits for eyes and nose, and licorice for whiskers. Poke licorice in back end of each for tail.
• Let stand 5 minutes to set.

BLACK RICE WITH SCALLIONS AND SWEET POTATOES

Steps:

• Rinse rice in a sieve under cold water. Bring rice, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a 1 1/2- to 2-quart heavy saucepan, then reduce heat to low and cook rice, covered, until tender and most of water is absorbed, about 30 minutes. Let rice stand, covered, off heat 10 minutes.
• While rice cooks, heat oil in a 12-inch heavy nonstick skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and sauté scallions, ginger, and sweet potato, stirring, until coated well, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to moderate and add remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste, then cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until potato is just tender, about 12 minutes. Add rice and toss gently to combine.
• *Available at Kalustyan's (800-352-3451) and Indian Harvest (800-294-2433; indianharvest.com).