Dad's Crispy Treats

Dad’s Crispy Treats

Dorcas Annette Walker

My son’s friends at the body shop do more than work on cars. Besides keeping up with all the news, they love to taste-test any new recipes that I come up with, especially along the dessert or snack line. I always appreciate their feedback and honest opinions. In fact this week’s Dad’s Crispy Treats evolved from the suggestions and ideas that came out of the body shop. I thought it would make a perfect treat for dads this month.

There are all kinds of fathers. This August my son is getting married to a single mother and will not only become a husband, but he will also be a stepdad to a little boy. I know I’m prejudiced, but even though Dwight has never fathered a child biologically, he will be an excellent dad to this little boy. All Case has ever known is Dwight as a father. It has been a special time watching as my son changed from a single young adult status to becoming a responsible young father learning how to take care of a small child. In a perfect world there would be no split families or single parents struggling to raise children by themselves. I’m very proud of my son, who has chosen to take on the role of a stepdad.

I’d like to honor all the stepdads that have opened up their hearts to children needing a father figure in their life. Not only have these dads been willing to financially support and raise an extended family, but a good stepfather gives security and a steady role model to his stepchildren. I’d also like to include the dads, who are split from their children yet continue to financially support their children year after year and be a part of their lives as much as possible. I know of one young divorced father, who drives four hours across the state every other weekend just to spend time with his small daughter. These dads are pillars in the lives of their children and should be praised and emulated.

My Dad’s Crispy Treats are easy to make and will be an instant hit with both children and fathers. You can substitute or add chocolate chips, Skittles, Reece pieces, crumbled Butterfinger candy bars, peanuts, butterscotch chips, or any other kind of candy, nuts, or frosting that the dad of your household likes. These fudgy crunchy treats will appeal to every man’s sweet tooth. My finger-licking Dad’s Crispy Treats takes fifteen minutes to prepare (not counting sitting time for hardening) and this recipe makes eighteen large squares.

Dad’s Crispy Treats

Melt together in the microwave:
1 stick margarine
1(10 oz) pkg large marshmallows
1 c peanut butter (smooth or chunky)

Stir in:
6 c rice crispy cereal
1 c M & M’s
1 c mini marshmallows
Pour the mixture into a wax paper lined 9 x 13 baking dish and press flat with a spatula. Let the treats harden for a couple of hours.

Then spread on the top:
1 (16 oz) can of chocolate frosting
Cut into squares, and serve!

Weekly tip: For a harder frosting topping chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours!

Dorcas Annette Walker is a published author, columnist, speaker, freelance magazine writer, and photographer from Jamestown, Tennessee. Contact her at: dorcaswalker@twlakes.net. For more recipes check out her Creative Tennessee Mountain Cookin blog at: www.dorcasannettewalker.com