10ouncesmarshmallows(about 40 regular or 6 cups mini)
4tablespoons salted, European-style butter
black food coloring(Americolor Soft Gel Paste Super Black)
Instructions
TIP: Grease your bowls and spatulas with non-stick cooking spray.
Grease a large bowl and add the cereal.
To make in the microwave, place the marshmallows and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute and let sit for a couple minutes. Stir very well until smooth.
To make on the stove-top, start to melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir well. After 75% of the marshmallows have melted, remove from heat and stir well to completely melt the marshmallows. The mixture should be smooth.
Add several drops of black food coloring to the marshmallow mixture. Add additional drops, stirring, until desired shade is achieved. You'll need quite a bit of food coloring, but I only go for a dark grey. Too much food coloring can affect the taste.
Use a spatula to scrape the mixture over the cereal. Stir well until evenly coated.
Transfer to the baking pan. Flatten gently and evenly. Let set 1 to 2 hours.
Cut the treats into 16 squares. With your hands (use gloves to prevent staining your hands), shape each square into an imperfect ball shape. Coal!
Notes
Store your treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You may also freeze the treats. To make a larger batch of coal treats in a 9 x 13 inch baking pan, use these measurements.
6 tablespoons butter
16 ounces marshmallows
7 cups Rice Krispies
WARNING: The food coloring can temporarily stain your mouth after eating the tinted Rice Krispie Treats, and food coloring can stain your hands when working with the dye.