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Dorothy Dean presents: Kid-friendly and super-cute cornflake wreaths

By Audrey Alfaro For The Spokesman-Review

Christmas is fast approaching.

Lots of preparation goes into the big day. Decorating, holiday cards, shopping for gifts, then – the worst part – wrapping them, and prepping the house (and your mental state) for a mob of guests. But the main preparation, at least in my household, is our Christmas dinner spread.

This is one of my favorite things to do: sit and plan which scrumptious dishes we’ll pass around the table while exchanging stories over the warming sound of Christmas music in the background.

I like to change up the menu every year. But Holiday Cornflake Wreaths are one staple that adorns my dessert table every Christmas.

These are basically like a Rice Krispies treat, but instead you use cornflakes and add green food coloring into the marshmallow mixture. Then, with well-buttered hands, you shape them into wreaths and add some “berries” using red icing or little red candies of your choice.

These are the perfect treat for your elf-sized kitchen helpers to make. I’m not sure what my daughter enjoys more: buttering her hands to shape the wreaths, adding on the berry decor, or eating them when they were done.

With the salty, chewy crunch from the cornflakes and ooey-gooey sweetness from the marshmallows, these easy to make treats are utterly delicious.

The wreaths are a festive addition to your cookie platter and great for potlucks. You can even wrap them up as a tasty gift.

Holiday Cornflake Wreaths

1/2 cup butter

30 large marshmallows

Green food coloring

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cups cornflakes cereal

Red icing gel or red little candies (such as Red Hots or mini M&Ms)

In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add in marshmallows and stir constantly until melted. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and stir in green food coloring until desired shade is reached. Fold in cornflakes until completely coated.

Working quickly, drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto waxed paper, and form a wreath shape with well-buttered hands. Dot on red icing gel for berries, along with a bow. If using candies, immediately decorate so they adhere before they cool. Cool completely before removing from waxed paper and store in airtight container.