Q1: What is the absolute, number one secret to a soft and chewy, not hard and dense, Rice Krispie treat?

The secret is to not press the mixture too firmly into your pan. It is a natural instinct to really pack it down, but this is what creates a hard and dense treat. You just want to use a greased spatula or your greased hands to gently press the mixture until it is level. The second secret is to use fresh marshmallows , as they will melt into a much softer and gooier consistency.

Q2: How do I make a marshmallow spiderweb that is stretchy and web-like, and not just a big, sticky mess?

There are two main secrets! First, and most importantly, you must let your melted marshmallows cool down for a minute or two after you have microwaved them. When they are very hot, they are just a sticky liquid. As they cool, they will become wonderfully stretchy and pliable . Second, it is absolutely essential to liberally spray your hands (or your food-safe gloves) with a nonstick cooking spray . This will prevent the marshmallow from sticking to your fingers and will allow you to stretch it into those beautiful, thin, web-like strands.

Q3: Can I make these Halloween treats ahead of time for a party?

Yes, these are a perfect make-ahead party treat! You can prepare them completely and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days before your party.

Q4: Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of in the microwave?

Of course! To melt the marshmallows on the stovetop, simply place your marshmallows and your butter in a large pot or a Dutch oven over a low heat . Stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.

Q5: What is the best way to keep the marshmallow mixture from sticking to my hands and my spatula?

The secret is to use a little bit of fat . You can either generously grease your hands and your spatula with butter or a nonstick cooking spray . A fantastic and simple trick is to even use the inside of your butter wrapper to grease your pan and your tools

Halloween Rice Krispie Treats (with Spiderweb!)

A festive, no-bake recipe for Halloween-themed crispy rice treats with spooky decorations. The classic marshmallow and crispy rice cereal mixture is divided, colored with green and purple food coloring, and then pressed into a pan in a mottled pattern to create a spooky base. Once set, the treats are cut into rectangles and decorated with a ‘web’ made from stretched, melted white marshmallows. The final touch is a ‘spider’ on each treat, created with piped melted chocolate and a candy body.

Author: Evelyn

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray
Two 12-ounce bags marshmallows
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons
Green gel food coloring
Purple gel food coloring
9 cups crispy rice cereal
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Halved chocolate-covered peanuts or black/orange jellybeans, for decorating

Instructions

Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. Spray with cooking spray.
Make the Crispy Treats: Divide 1 1/2 bags of the marshmallows and all of the butter evenly between 2 large microwave-safe bowls.
Working with one bowl at a time, microwave for about 1 minute and 15 seconds in total, stirring halfway through, until the marshmallows are completely melted.
Stir green food coloring into one bowl of melted marshmallows and purple food coloring into the second bowl.
Add 4 1/2 cups of rice cereal to the green mixture and the remaining 4 1/2 cups to the purple mixture. Stir each well to coat.
Using greased hands or gloves, dollop alternating blobs of the green and purple cereal mixtures into the prepared pan. Press the mixture down to create an even, mottled layer. Let it cool and set completely for at least 1 hour.
Decorate: Use the foil overhang to lift the treats from the pan. Cut into 9 rectangles.
Place the remaining half bag of marshmallows in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for about 1 minute 15 seconds, stirring halfway, until melted and smooth. Let cool slightly.
Wearing disposable gloves, pull out a handful of the melted marshmallow and stretch it between your hands to create thin, web-like strings. Drape these strings over the treats to create a web pattern.
Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or the microwave. Transfer to a piping bag. Pipe 8 spider legs onto each treat, then place a chocolate-covered peanut or a jellybean in the center to create a spider body.

Notes

Special Equipment: The recipe recommends using disposable gloves for easier cleanup, especially when working with the sticky marshmallow web.
This is a no-bake recipe that is perfect for making with kids for a fun Halloween activity.
The mottled green and purple base, along with the marshmallow spiderweb, creates a perfectly spooky look.
The article references a ‘Cook’s Note’ that is not provided in the text.

Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/halloween-rice-krispie-treats/