4th of July Rice Krispies Treats

Camaryn Byrum, 4-H Agent

Are you attending a July 4^th party or event this weekend? Bring these sweet treats that everyone will enjoy. Add red and blue M&Ms to your Rice Krispies Treats and cut them into stars and flags for a 4^th of July crowd-pleaser.Ingredients:

• 4 Tbsp butter
• 40 large marshmallows or 5 cups mini marshmallows
• 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 2-3 large spoonfuls of marshmallow creme
• ½ - ¾ cup red and blue M&M's

Instructions:

1. Combine the cereal and the M&Ms in a bowl and mix them well.
2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
3. Add the marshmallows to the melted butter and stir them constantly until they have completely dissolved.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and add the rice krispies cereal/M&Ms combo, working quickly to stir the melted marshmallows and cereal together before the marshmallow mixture starts to harden.
5. Stir in a couple spoonfuls of marshmallow creme to reach your desired consistency.
6. Spread the mixture into a greased 9x13 pan.
7. Let the treats set for 15-20 minutes.
8. Cut some into rectangles and press M&Ms into the top to make flags.
9. Use cookie cutters to cut others into stars.
10. Store the treats in a sealed container or a Ziploc bag to prevent them from drying out.

For recipe and photos.

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Stay Hydrated with Infused Water

Mary Morris, CED & Family and Consumer Sciences Agent

Now that the first day of summer has come it is very important to stay hydrated. Even if you are only out in the summer heat for short intervals it is important to drink plenty of water. Daily recommendations are 8 cups of 8 oz of water or 64 oz a day. If you are one of those people who is not a big fan of the taste of water you should try infused water.Great for hot summer days, alongside a meal, or on a special occasion. Serve in a clear pitcher during a gathering with friends and family to show the vibrant colors of the fruit infused water. Helpful Tip: The longer you let this beverage chill in the fridge, the more flavor it will have.

Cucumber Citrus Water

Serves 8 Serving Size: 1 cup (8 ounces) Prep time: 5 minutes Chill time: 30 minutes or more Total time: 35 minutes or moreIngredients:

• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lime, sliced
• 1 cup ice
• Water

Directions:

1. Add cucumber, orange and lime to a 2-quart drinking pitcher.
2. Top with ice and then add water.
3. Can be served immediately. However, for more flavor, chill for 30 minutes or more before serving.

Nutrition Information:

• Serving Size: 1 cup (8 ounces)
• Vegetables: ¼ cup
• Fruits: ¼ cup
• Calories: 11 calories
• Carbohydrates: 3 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Sodium: 0 mg