Googly-Eyed Monster Crispy Rice Treats

Steps

1. Butter (how to grease and flour a pan)

   Grease and flour a pan Coat a pan with fat (and sometimes flour) so baked goods release cleanly. 1. Rub a thin layer of soft butter or shortening into every corner with a paper towel, or use baking spray.2. For cakes, add a spoonful of flour, tilt and tap the pan until it is coated.3. Turn the pan over and tap out the extra flour.4. For chocolate cakes, use cocoa instead of flour so there is no white film. Done when: Every surface, corners included, is lightly coated with no bare spots or thick clumps. How to grease and flour a baking pan: mistakes to avoid

   a 9x13-inch pan, or

   line (how to line a pan)

   Line a pan Cover the bottom (and sometimes sides) of a pan with parchment or foil so food doesn't stick and lifts out easily. 1. For a sheet pan, tear parchment the size of the pan and lay it flat.2. For a round cake pan, trace the bottom on parchment, cut the circle out and press it in.3. For brownies and bars, leave two long sides hanging over to make handles (a "sling").4. A little grease under the paper holds it in place. Done when: The paper lies flat with no folds where the batter could run under it. How to line a baking pan with parchment: mistakes to avoid

   it with parchment for easy removal.
2. In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter. Add the marshmallows and salt and stir until completely melted and smooth.
   ⏱ Melt marshmallows: 5 min
3. Take the pot off the heat and stir in the vanilla and green food coloring until evenly colored.
4. Add the cereal and fold with a buttered spatula until every piece is coated.
5. Scrape into the pan and press gently into an even layer with buttered hands or a piece of parchment. Don't pack it hard, or the treats will be dense.
6. Let it cool and set at room temperature.
   ⏱ Set: 30 min
7. Microwave the chocolate chips with the oil in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Spoon it into a zip-top bag and snip a tiny corner.
8. Cut the treats into 16 bars. Pipe chocolate mouths, hair or stitches and press on candy eyes, using a dot of chocolate as glue. Let the chocolate set.
   ⏱ Set chocolate: 15 min

Tap an underlined word for how to do it, or see all techniques.

Tips

• Low heat keeps the marshmallows soft. High heat makes treats hard.
• Check candy eye and sprinkle labels for allergens if you're sharing at school.

Storage

Airtight at room temperature up to 3 days.

Make ahead

Make the bars a day ahead and decorate the day of the party.

How long leftovers keep, and freezing and reheating: leftovers and storage.