Cornflake Wreathes
Yields: About 18 wreathes
Time: 15 minutes
Cornflake wreathes are basically rice crispy treats, sub cornflake cereal. They are my all time favorite Christmas dessert. My family has been making this recipe for as long as I can remember. My nana, being the head baker of the family, was one of my first culinary teachers. She taught me the trick of having a bowl of ice water handy to help shape the wreathes without burning your hands among so many other expert tips. These wreathes are super quick and easy but I promise you they’ll be the first thing to disappear from your holiday dessert table.
Ingredients:
6 cups cornflakes
16oz. marshmallows
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Green food dye
Red Hots or small cinnamon candies
Special Equipment:
Wax paper
Directions
Step One:
Melt butter in a heavy bottomed pot over medium heat.
Step Two:
Add marshmallows, vanilla, and salt to butter and cook until marshmallows are completely melted, stirring constantly.
Step Three:
Reduce heat to low and add green food dye, mix thoroughly. To get to the color below add about 15-20 drops but feel free to create any shade you’d like!
Step Four:
Remove from heat and stir in 6 cups of cornflakes. Mix until thoroughly coated.
Step Five:
Make a small bowl of ice water.
Using a large spoon, scoop about 2 tablespoons of cornflakes onto a sheet of wax paper. Dip fingers of one hand in the cold water and use them to remove the cornflakes from the spoon. Use that same hand to gently mold the cornflakes into a small mound, like a wreath without a hole. Using your thumb, press a small dent into the center of each wreath. Repeat with remaining cornflakes.
Step Six:
Add 3 Red Hots to the well of each wreath.
Let wreaths set for an hour or overnight. Store in an airtight container with wax paper between the layers to prevent sticking.
Get Creative!
Use this recipe to make cereal bars. Remove the green dye and replace the cornflakes with your favorite cereal. Lay the entire mixture out on a sheet tray and let cool. Cut mixture into bars once set. For an extra layer of sweetness, dip the bottom of each bar into melted white chocolate and chill. Perfect with Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Fruity Pebbles, or even Shredded Wheat!
