Ultimate Rice Krispies Treats

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During the summer of 2006, we took a vacation to Nauvoo, IL. We drove out there and met up with my parents and a good family friend who traveled there by train. We stayed in our friend's Victorian mansion across the river in Keokuk, IA and  had a fabulous two weeks exploring everything the area has to offer.

Before we left Utah, a coworker told me we had to try out a café in Fort Madison, a town just north of Nauvoo. It's called the Ivy Bake Shoppe and Café, and as the story goes, President Hinckley ate there and loved it. Now, it might be complete rumor, but I don't mind spreading this little bit of possible urban legend because I think it can only help the café. And, I wish the Ivy Café much continued success because we fell in love the place.

I purchased one of their cookbooks as a souvenir, and it we have put it to good use. I've made several of the desserts from the cookbook to bring into work for birthdays and such. This Rice Krispies treat recipe is always a hit. The Ivy Café calls them Caramel Rice Krispies Bars. Uh...kind of boring, don't you think. And, the name just doesn't do them justice. These are not your everyday-run-of-the-mill Rice Krispies treats. They have caramel and sweetened condensed milk!  So, you can see I've renamed them because really, they are the ultimate.

Nauvoo Trip memories--The bottom middle picture is, unfortunately, 

the only picturewe got of the Ivy Café. It's a horrible shot of me, 

but you can see from the wall in the back of the room, 

that the Ivy has character.

I just made a batch to take around to some of our terrific neighbors. I'm sure you know someone who could use a thank you or some cheering up. They're so easy to make, and I guarantee they'll be a hit.

 If this picture looks better, it's because I borrowed a nice camera. 

But if I ever do get a fancy camera, I think I'll need to take a class 

on how to use it.

Ultimate Rice Krispies Treats

Ingredients:

Caramel:

• 1 (14 oz.) bag caramels, unwrapped (approx. 50 pieces)
  
• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
  
• 1 stick butter
  

Rice Krispies

• 1 ½ sticks butter, divided
  
• 10 cups miniature marshmallows, divided
  
• 10 cups Rice Krispies, divided
  

Place caramels, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a bowl and microwave for 3 minutes. Stir until smooth, returning to microwave if not yet melted; set aside to cool.

In another bowl, melt 6 tablespoons of butter with 4 cups marshmallows for 70 seconds. Stir until smooth and then pour over 5 cups of the cereal; stir until cereal is coated. Place in a greased 9x13 in. glass dish. Sprinkle 2 cups miniature marshmallows on top of cereal mixture. Carefully pour caramel mixture over marshmallows; refrigerate to set up. Repeat second layer of rice cereal mixture, using the rest of the butter, marshmallows, and cereal. Place second layer of Rice Krispies mixture on top of caramel layer; chill until firm. Makes 12 to 15 servings.