Fun Family Recipes for Summer From Kellogg

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Jun 27, 2011) - (Family Features) Sometimes it's the simple things in life that matter most. Spending time in the kitchen making something yummy together is one of the simple things families can do to make life a little sweeter and create lifelong memories.

These recipes are not only easy, but they are also lots of fun. They're terrific for a "just-because" snack or as a sweet way to finish off a family picnic. And kids of all ages can help -- from pouring and stirring to dipping and decorating, there's something everyone can do. And somehow food tastes a little bit better to kids when they help make it themselves.

You can find more fun family recipes like these, as well as a gluten-free recipe made with new Kellogg's® Rice Krispies® Gluten Free cereal, at www.ricekrispies.com.

Yankee Doodle Dandy TreatsTM
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 18

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

2. Add cereal. Stir until well coated.

3. Using buttered spatula or wax paper, evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Crosswise cut in half, forming two 9 x 6 1/2-inch rectangles.

4. Meanwhile, in small saucepan melt white chocolate morsels over low heat, stirring frequently. Stir in oil. Add powdered sugar, stirring until combined. Add water. Stir until smooth.

5. Spread chocolate mixture over one cereal rectangle. Top with second rectangle. Sprinkle with red, white and blue sprinkles, pressing lightly into cereal mixture. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until set. Cut into 3 1/4 x 1-inch strips. Best if served the same day.

Peanut Butter Bars
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12

1. In large mixing bowl beat peanut butter and butter on medium speed until combined. Add powdered sugar and milk. Beat until fluffy. Stir in cereal, mixing until thoroughly combined. Press mixture evenly into 8 x 8 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Refrigerate until firm.

2. Drizzle chocolate over cereal mixture. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until chocolate is set and cereal mixture is firm. Cut into bars. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Dip 'n' Roll Strawberry Treats
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12

1. Wash strawberries and pat dry with paper towels.

2. In small microwave-safe bowl combine chocolate morsels and shortening. Microwave at high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until melted, stirring every 30 seconds.

3. Place cereal in shallow dish. Push skewers into strawberries through stem end. Dip in chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off. Roll in cereal. Place on wax paper. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes or until chocolate is firm.

Kid-friendly Kitchen Tips

• Children of all ages should have an adult assistant with them at all times when cooking.
• The youngest chefs, 3 to 6 years old, will be very good at inserting the ice cream skewers into the strawberries.
• Older chefs, ages 7 to 9, will enjoy "dipping" the strawberries into the melted chocolate, too.
• Kids older than 9 years may help prepare the melted chocolate and may also help read directions to the younger kids.