Chipotle Marshmallow Krispie Treats

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.  I’ll tell you a little more about the book as a I work my way through some of the recipes (or better yet, get Todd to try some), but there’s a party this evening and today seemed perfect for making the Chipotle Marshmallow Krispie Treats. Granted, it’s not a Rice Krispie Treat I would have tried had David not recommended it, but I was game.

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.

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