#GOOEY: CHERRY CASHEW CHEERIO SQUARES

     My boyfriend, Zach, and I have been spending our quarantine over the last 6 weeks (woah it's been that long?) in Pennsylvania with his family. For the past couple of weeks specifically we have been at his dad's lake cabin enjoying the peace and quiet. I've been especially enjoying time spent in nature and learning about the plants around us. It is very different from what we are used to living in Brooklyn, but I am grateful to have this time to pause and reconnect with trees and streams and grass and moss. Plus I found the mother lode of RAMPS(!!!) which is incredibly exciting. Not finding ramps growing in the wild on Myrtle Ave anytime soon, after all. 

     Anyway, when I think "cabin by the lake" I think campfires. And what goes with campfires? Marshmallows of course. Every good cabin will have a supply. Just our luck that we are spending this time in a good cabin.

     The cabin also has all the fixin's for a proper smore's, but marshmallows are good for more than just being roasted between chocolate and graham crackers (though, that is effing delicious). I've always been a sucker for gooey crispy rice squares and love how easy they are to make! My go-to recipe, Dark Chocolate and Cranberry Rice Squares, is so delicious and satisfying (click for recipe). But sometimes you gotta change it up because why limit yourself to one way of making something when there are so many tasty combos out there?
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     Enter cheerios. Dried cherries. Cashews. Brown butter. WHAT. A. COMBO! The way these flavors intertwine is pure magic. You have a sweet but not too sweet note from the cherries and marshmallows. A rich nuttiness from the cashews and brown butter. And a perfect toastiness from the cheerios that balances everything out.

     I would never be able to say which recipe (this or my go-to) is better than the other. That's like picking a favorite child. But I will say this version absolutely kicks ass and has earned its seat at the table. 
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Cherry Cashew Cheerio Squares
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (mostly rest time)
Yields: 12 squares

You Will Need:

• 6 cups plain cheerios
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/2 cup chopped cashews (preferably lightly roasted and salted)
• 3 TBS unsalted butter + extra for dish (or cooking spray for dish)
• 1 10oz bag marshmallows (mini or jumbo, mini melts quicker)

 

1. Combine cheerios, cherries, and cashews in a large bowl and mix to combine. Set aside. Spray a 13x9 inch baking dish with cooking spray or rub extra butter all over. Also spray a rubber spatula (this will help avoid sticking as you stir later). Set aside.
2. In a large pot over low/medium heat, add the 3 TBS butter and melt. Continue to cook butter until it starts to brown and becomes fragrantly nutty, about 3-5 minutes. 
3. Once the butter becomes golden brown, add the marshmallows. Melt the marshmallows completely while constantly stirring with the rubber spatula, about 5-10 minutes depending on size of marshmallow (do NOT turn heat up to rush the process, this will cause your butter and marshmallows to burn). 
4. Once completely melted (it will be more of a gooey marshmallow ball), either put your heat all the way on low if you have a gas stove or turn off the heat but keep the pot on the burner if you have an electric stove. Pour in the cheerio mix and stir/fold for 1 minute to toast the cheerios a bit. At that point, remove completely from heat but continue to stir/fold until well combined and no dry pieces are loose, another 1-2 minutes.
5. Pour entire mixture into the greased baking dish and flatten evenly all over with spatula. Let cool for 15 minutes. Cut into 12 squares. Enjoy!