O.K., maybe not exactly healthy, as in I wouldn’t call this a superfood or anything, but it is definitely healthier than the rice crispy treats I grew up with.
My son does not eat regular sugar marshmallows because they have gelatin in them, which is a meat product. Choosing not to eat a roasted marshmallow when all your cousins and friends are, is not the easiest thing for a 10 year old. So, in admiration of his commitment, I promised my son I would find him vegan marshmallows, so he could partake of the roasted melting-white-goo-on-a-stick and I also promised him a healthier version of rice crispy squares.
Voila:
Healthy Rice Crispy Squares:
(With my comments in green about each ingredient)
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1 10 oz package of vegan marshamallows.
We used Dandies air puffed vegan marshmallows. Do not be fooled by their appearance in my blog. They are not a health food, a whole food or a raw food. They are simply a better alternative to regular gelatin, all-white-sugar-marshmallows.
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4 cups Erewhon Crispy Brown Rice Cereal
In Erewhon Crispy Brown Rice Cereal you’ll find:
- organic brown rice
- organic brown rice syrup
- sea salt
In Rice Krispies Cereal by Kellogs you’ll find (OY!):
- rice
- sugar
- salt
- malt flavoring
- high fructose corn syrup
- iron
- ascorbic acid
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2 Tablespoons of butter or if you want it to be vegan and dairy-free use earth balance or Coconut Oil. As of 2011 – I have been using Extra Virgin Coconut Oil in most of my baking and sweets. Coconut Oil is very healthy choice.
Nuts: Optional – If you want to add some protein, mix in chopped almonds. This will also reduce the sugar high and low that occurs when eating a refined carbohydrate like the rice crispies and a high sugar food like the marshmallows.
Seeeds: Sometimes I throw in a handful of hemp seeds to add protein and healthy omega 3 fatty acids.
1. In large saucepan melt butter or earth balance or coconut oil over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
2. Add crispy brown rice cereal. Stir until well coated.
3. Press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Cut into 2-inch squares. Best if served the same day.
Mmmm!
Would you like to learn how to feed your family healthy delicious food?
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Nina Manolson, MA, CHC, certified Health Coach and Psychology of Eating Coach believes that every women deserves to feel good in their own body. She helps women create a healthy and positive relationship with their food and body so they can love their body and life! She’s the founder of NinaManolson.com and NourishedWomanNation.com
She helps busy women look and feel their best. She specializes in working with women over 40 who have tried other diets and approaches but are still struggling with their body and food. She helps women step into a new wellness paradigm that makes self-care real and do-able and turns it into sustainable healthy habits that
She’s the author of “Feed Your Kids Well In A World That Doesn’t: an everyday guide to make healthy food happen in your home and beyond”. She’s also the recipient of the prestigious Health Leadership Award from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
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Nina Manolson, MA, is the founder of Body-Peace®.She helps women end the war with food and body and finally feel truly at home in their body—as it is.
She is known for her deeply feminist, anti-diet, body-peace® approach. She brings her 30 years of experience as a therapist, Body-Trust® Guide and Psychology of Eating Teacher to helping women create a respectful and trusting relationship with their food and body.
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Nina,
Would have loved to see Kobi eating this treat – and a picture too.
Appreciate your continuing search for healthier treats. Our family is hooked on your raw pies.
More power to you!! Thanks kid.