Our dear friend (I think she'd want to remain anonymous) turned 50. The invitation said she was celebrating the 25th anniversary of her 25th birthday. So clever! So, as I often do, I made Rice Krispies Treats. But, what I do is mold the Krispies into numbers. Cute, right? But, since this birthday was special and she was being clever, I thought I should too.
The box is an inverted large pizza box. I cut kraft paper to hide the pizza decorations on the inside, lined the bottom with foil (taped it in place) and made a big label for the top. She designs gold jewelry so the lettering on the lid was painted in gold (not real!). For extra sparkle, I painted some glue mixed with water on the letters and sprinkled on some glitter.
Rice Krispies Numbers
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal or any toasted rice cereal - just not puffed!
4 tablespoons (2 oz) unsalted butter plus 1 tablespoon additional
1 bag (10.5 oz) mini marshmallows
cooking spray
Mise en place - get everything ready! Using the 1 tablespoon of butter, grease whatever surface you'll be molding your treats onto. For gifts, I usually use aluminum foil. You may have some butter left over. Measure out the cereal into a large bowl. Cut the marshmallow bag open.
In a large pot, melt the 2 ounces of butter over medium-low heat. Swirl the butter to coat the sides. Once the butter has melted, add the marshmallows. Using a silicone spatula, stir the marshmallows. When all but 10 marshmallows have melted, turn off the heat and remove the pot. Continue stirring until those last marshmallows have melted. Add all the cereal at once and stir to coat the cereal as quickly as possible. Dump the cereal out onto your greased surface.
Spray your hands with the cooking spray and very carefully (it'll be hot) separate the treats into however many numbers you're making. Tip: if you're making a one (1) and an eight (8) you'll need more Treats for the eight. Start shaping it into the numbers. Try not to pack it down, keeping the treats as loose as possible. Once you're happy with the shape, let it rest and cool down, it'll firm up.
Notes:
I made a batch and a half for the above since I had the extra number/letters below the main numbers.
I've used Fruity Pebbles for a more colorful treat but it's REALLY too cloyingly sweet.