How to make the cutest treats for Valentine's Day

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Today marks another first for us... the first time our daughter has a Valentine's Day in school (pre-school). Jazlynn is such a sweet girl and she absolutely loves making friends (way more social than I ever was).




So while this holiday was approaching I, of course, took to Pinterest to find ideas on what to do since I wanted to make treats at home (luckily Jazlynn attends a private school and this is still allowed).

I decided to make Valentine Rice Krispies Treats.

Gathering Materials:

• Labels
• Pipe cleaners (or ribbon)
• Plastic sandwich bags (non-ziploc is best)
• Glue
• Scissors

First I found some cute labels to cut and paste/tie onto the treats bags. (NOTE: fill these out BEFORE cutting them). I was so happy with these and the internet is just filled with these free items (take advantage people!). I also bought some red pipe cleaners and cut each into 4 shorter pieces (about 3 inches). I used these to tie the sandwich bags (which I cut). You could buy regular (and cheaper) bags that do not have the "ziploc"- I was just using what we already had at home.

While I prepped and did the stove top stuff, Jazlynn wrote out her cards. I was so proud of her writing out all of her classmates' names in their cards. Talk about great handwriting practice for your pre-schooler!! (Note: she did half of the cards on one day, and the other half while I cooked the treats). 


Ingredients & Materials for Treats:

• 16x9 baking pan (if you have two it will save you time) 
• Large cauldron or stock pot to prepare (non-stick would help)
• Butter, 3 oz. (1 oz per batch/pan) ---->1 oz. = 2 tbsp.
• Marshmallows (one 16 oz. bag can make 3 16x9 pans)
• Rice Krispies cereal, two 14 oz. boxes (store brand will taste the same!) 
• Sprinkles, optional

1. First I, heated the butter in the pot and made sure to distribute all around to help keep the marshmallows from sticking and or burning. 
2. Then I put in the marshmallows and stirred them constantly over medium heat. Below are some pictures of what to progression will look like as you watch it and stir (you can click the photos for a closer look).
   
   
3. Once it is all liquefied  remove from heat and pour in the cereal a couple cupfuls at a time. Stir and repeat until cereal is all sticky.
   
           
4. Next, is where sprinkles can be added and stirred until the batch has the desired look. (NOTE: I found that adding sprinkles actually helps the batch from sticking to the pot.) 
5. Pour into baking pan, evenly spread, press down firmly (I like to use a greased piece of aluminum foil for this because you can get your hands over it without getting all sticky).
   
           
6. Place in refrigerator to cool for 15 minutes and start on your next batch (if applicable). 
7. Once cooled, use knife (or fun cookie cutter shapes) to cut into desired shapes and individual servings.
   
           
8. Serve (or store).

Making Everything Pretty:

With all the above done, all that was left to do is put everything together. Each treat in it's own bag, with a couple labels and tied with the pipe cleaner.

I really enjoyed doing this, especially spending that quality time with Jazlynn and getting to know all the funny things she has to say about her classmates. You will find out some very interesting things, but overall it was just great to appreciate how she's growing up and her own little person.



Do you think you might try something like this for your kids at home? 









Related Links:
A Daily Dose of Davis (Site I got the idea from for making the rice krispies treats)
Worldlabel.com (site with cool printables I used, check their site for a fun variety!)
Livinglocurto.com (site with cool printables, not the ones I used, but liked)
Justshortofcrazy.com (other cute Valentine ideas for school children, or whoever)
YouTube videos on how to make rice krispies treats

Happy Valentine's Day!