Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups of crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup of caramel bits
- 1/2 cup of light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Cooking spray
- Candy thermometer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the crispy rice cereal and caramel bits.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the corn syrup, sugar, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
4. Once boiling, insert a candy thermometer and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 250°F.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
6. Pour the caramel mixture over the cereal mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press down firmly with a spatula.
8. Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
9. Once set, remove the bars from the baking dish and cut into desired size bars.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cooling and setting time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Cooking temperature: Medium heat
Refrigeration temperature: 40°F or below
Serving size:
Makes 12-16 bars
Nutritional information:
Per serving (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 270
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 130mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 41g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Crispy rice cereal can be substituted with any other crispy cereal.
- Caramel bits can be substituted with caramel sauce or melted caramels.
- Light corn syrup can be substituted with honey or agave nectar.
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with brown sugar.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts, such as peanuts or almonds, to the cereal mixture for added crunch.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for a chocolate-caramel twist.
- Use different flavored caramel bits, such as chocolate or apple, for a unique flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a spatula sprayed with cooking spray to press down the mixture firmly into the baking dish.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Storage instructions:
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
These bars are best served at room temperature, but can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the caramel.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the bars on a platter or in individual wrappers for a fun and easy snack.
Garnishes:
Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the bars for added sweetness.
Pairings:
These bars pair well with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
These bars make a great snack on their own, but can also be paired with fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced breakfast or snack.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the caramel mixture is not reaching 250°F, increase the heat slightly and continue to stir until it reaches the desired temperature.
- If the bars are falling apart when cutting, let them cool completely before cutting and use a sharp knife.
Food safety advice:
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the caramel mixture reaches the proper temperature for safe consumption.
- Store the bars in an airtight container to prevent bacteria growth.
Food history:
Caramel has been a popular sweet treat for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations. The first caramel candy was made in the 17th century in France.
Flavor profiles:
These bars have a sweet and crunchy flavor with a rich caramel taste.
Serving suggestions:
These bars make a great snack or breakfast on-the-go.
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Taste: Sweet, Crunchy, Caramelized, Nutty