Cubicle kitchen: Coconut Lime Cereal Treats

We had a sort of a picnic lunch last Friday at work, so for part two of my coconut, lime, and Chex adventures I made some cereal treats.  They fit all of my criteria for an outdoor potluck: easily transportable, easily eaten, and not affected by temperature.  Plus, hey, it's gluten-free!

I'm starting to think that Rice Krispies really are the best cereal for making cereal treats.  My Big Red Treats were intriguing (mostly because it was cereal that tasted like Big Red soda), but the spherical shape didn't lend itself to sticking together.

These cereal treats, similarly, taste yummy, but the squares of the Chex make it hard to really pack a solid bar of treats.  That made the treats a little loose and crumbly in places.  Perhaps if I crushed some of the cereal ahead of time, that would help.  Some extra marshmallows might also help to provide extra 'glue'.  So if you want to try these, you might want to just go for all Rice Krispies.  In which case, you'll probably just need six cups.

No matter what cereal you use, they will taste good.  I really like using the Kool-Aid in the treats and the glaze, it gives them a sour kick.  I'm thinking that for Halloween I might make some orange ones, then I can call them Rice Krispy Trick or Treats.

Coconut Lime Cereal Treats
Makes a 9x13" pan

Ingredients

• 1 bag lime marshmallows
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 3 cups Rice Krispies
• 2 cups Corn Chex
• 2 cups Rice Chex
• juice and zest of one lime
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 packet unsweetened Lime Kool-Aid
• 1 -1 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Directions

1. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine marshmallows and butter.  Microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until the marshmallow has completely melted. (Alternately, you could use a large pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring, then removing from heat when melted.)
2. Quickly stir in cereal, coconut, lime zest, and half of the packet of Kool-Aid.  Mix until cereal is completely coated.
3. Transfer mixture into a 9x13" pan lined with parchment paper (or two smaller pans), smoothing down with a spatula.
4. In a small bowl, mix together powdered sugar, lime juice, and remaining Kool-Aid.  Add powdered sugar or water as needed to achieve glaze consistency.  Drizzle over treats.  Can sprinkle additional coconut on top if desired.
5. When treats and glaze have set, cut into squares.