If you’re looking for a last minute New Year’s Eve treat, try Chipotle Marshmallow Krispie Treats. These spicy Rice Krispies treats are a recipe from my my mult-talented friend David Harap, a successful executive recruiter and culinary instructor extraordinaire! Along with teaching classes at Central Market, David hosts an underground supper club called Austin Bites and he just finished his first cookbook, Entertain Like a Gentleman
Chipotle Powder and Smoked Paprika
First, I made the recipe according to David’s original ingredient list with 2 tablespoons of chipotle powder and 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika (one of my favorite spices of all time). While the chipotle treats cleared my sinuses, they were too hot for my tastes. I prefer a wasabi type burn over a mouth burn, and the 2 tablespoon of chipotle powder version did the latter. Still, I couldn’t stop eating the spicy Rice Krispies treats despite the pain they were inflicting on my tongue, so I made a second batch and reversed the spices – 2 teaspoons of chipotle powder and 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika. Much better! I got all the good smoky flavor and just the right amount of heat.
I’ll be honest and tell you I didn’t believe David when he said these were hard to stop eating, but they were. Because the concept of “savory sweets” is kind of confusing, I can tell you that they indeed fall into the dessert category and the only thing savory about them is the pepper.
Use the Cranberries!
One note. Don’t be tempted to make these without the cranberries. The cranberries, with whichever level of heat you decide to go with, make the squares. They provide a sweet relief from the fire and add sourness and texture. If you try these, let me know because I want to hear more opinions on the heat level. If you’re not sure how you’ll take the spices, try a half batch in an 8 inch square pan.
Chipotle Marshmallow Krispie Treats
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal,
10 oz package marshmallows
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons chipotle powder OR 2 teaspoons of if you’re sensitive to fire
2 teaspoons smoked paprika OR 2 tablespoons if you only use 2 teaspoons chipotle
2/3 cup dried cranberries
1/2 teaspoon salt
Spray a 13×9 inch pan with cooking spray. I actually lined mine with foil and then sprayed the foil for easy lifing.
In large saucepan, melt butter over low heat and blend in chipotle powder, paprika and salt. Add marshmallows, cranberries and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Add cereal and stir until coated. Pour the marshmallow rice krispie mixture into the pan and press firmly. Allow to completely cool.
Cut into squares and serve.
Shannon in Canada
I made these today. They made me very happy! As soon as I saw this post earlier this week, I knew I would love these, and even with my (massive) sweet tooth, holiday sugar over-load has me craving less sickly-sweet desserts, so I knew these would fit the bill. They were everything I had hoped for! Just the right bite, nicely sweet, and definately magically complimented by the cranberries. I will certainly be making these again, thanks!
veredgy
these look tasty and yummy and innovative.
I am positively going to try them.
[email protected] Caramel Cookie
These sound strange but tastey! I like chipotle and I think it would taste great with the cranberries.
C L
Oh, and Happy 2011 to you, Anna! 🙂
C L
These actually sound very tasty! I am not a fan of chipotle much but this might change my mind. 😉
Louise
Now that’s what I call ushering in a new wave of marshmallow treats!
Thanks for sharing, Anna.
Just popped in to wish you a Happy New Year!!!
Katrina
You know me and rice crispy treats! But yeah, I’m not sure I could handle that heat. Still, sounds fun to try.
Sue
These look really interesting!
Lisa
Oh boy, I love a good spicy treat, but I think I’d definitely prefer your version. I wouldn’t mind a batch of these drizzled with chocolate.
Shannon in Canada
I SO want to make these right now!! If I wasn’t at work right now, I seriously would be running out to get chipotle powder, as I conveniently have everything else for these! Definately going to try these over the next week- thanks!
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc.
What a cool idea! Happy New Year!
LimeCake
Wow these are rice krispie treats that really pack a punch!
Shelley
These look great! I met David when I volunteered at Central Market’s Cooking School. He’s a dear! Can’t wait to check out his book.