CHOCOLATE!

For those of you who follow my blogs, you know I love chocolate!  And being a diabetic for the past 5 years hasn't changed that one bit.  It warms my heart to know that my blog readers also love chocolate.  Recipes containing chocolate get many more hits on this blog than any other type.  So if you think I post too many chocolate recipes because that is what I like, you are wrong.  I post so many chocolate recipes because that is what my readers demand.  Way to go, readers!

INFO ON VANILLA

Have you ever wondered how to substitute one type of vanilla for another?  If so, here are the substitutions:

• 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste = 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 whole vanilla bean = 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

You can figure the other variations from there.

CANDY CORN-MARSHMALLOW CRISPY TREATS

1/4 cup butter
6 cups miniature marshmallows
12 drops yellow food coloring
4 drops red food coloring
6 cups crispy rice cereal
2 cups candy corn

In a large microwaveable bowl, microwave butter on high 45 seconds or until melted.  Add the marshmallows and toss to coat.  Microwave 1 1/2 minutes or until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is well blended.  Stir in the food colors after the first 45 seconds.

Add the cereal and candy corn; mix well.  Press onto the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.  Allow to cool completely before cutting into 12 bars.  Cut each bar in two diagonally.

Yield: 24 diagonals

Note: This is a Kraft Foods Recipe.