Salted Brown Butter Krispy Treats

Ok, ok, ok.... I know some people are traditionalists when it comes to food. Some people just swear by a certain recipe or a certain way of making something and are totally un-open to anything new or different. To all of you traditionalists out there- stop being SO stubborn! There could be a new recipe out there that is so insatiable you are in disbelief... but you'll never know it if you don't try new things! That's my philosophy when it comes to food- always try something new. At least try. It may very well not be up to par with your standard recipe, but then again, maybe it's ten times better! So, for those of you that love regular rice krispy bars and are a little put off by doing something different with them- just try this recipe. I am not saying that this recipe is better than the regular bar. I am not saying that it should be the new standard. I am saying "try it!" You will not be sorry. I really... really... really like these...SO much! Get it? They're really good. For those of you who have never had the opportunity to taste brown butter, you are definitely missing out. A lot of people describe brown butter as "nutty", I like to say it is more of a nutty caramel flavor. I think caramel-like is a better descriptor than nutty personally. You should try these for yourself and decide! Making brown butter is easy, just let the butter cook long enough to start to foam for a second time and for a distinct aroma to develop, along with the signature "brown" color. And there isn't a ton of extra steps in these treats either. Just keeping cooking the butter a little longer to brown and then add salt to the krispies- that's it! That is all the extra work required to get such extra flavor. If you're wondering about the salt too, so did I. Especially since it asks for coarse salt. I thought I would end up biting into a terribly salty chunk. It is perfect though! Definitely do it, it makes a huge difference. It's just a surge of delightful flavor when you come upon the salt. It's not overwhelming or even "salty" it's just...realllllly good! Seriously, this is easy- try it! These two tiny minor changes, change everything.

Salted Brown Butter Krispy Treats
Yield: 16- 2 inch squares

4 oz (1 stick) unsalted butter
1- 10 oz bag marshmallows
Heaping 1/4 tsp coarse sea salt
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (about half a 12 oz box)

1.) Butter (or coat with non-stick spray) an 8 inch square cake pan with 2 inch sides.

2.) In a large pot, melt butter over med-low heat. It will melt, then foam, then turn a clear golden and finally start to turn brown and smell nutty. Make sure to stir frequently, scraping up any bits from the bottom as you do. Don't take your eyes off the pot as while you may be impatient for it to start browning, the period between the time the butter begins to take on color and the point where it burns is often less than a minute.

3.) As soon as the butter takes on a nutty color, turn the heat off and stir in the marshmallows. The residual heat from the melted butter should be enough to melt them, but if it is not, turn it back on low until marshmallows are smooth.

4.) Remove the pot from the stove and stir in the salt and cereal together. Quickly spread into prepared pan. I like to use a piece of waxed or parchment paper that I've sprayed with oil to press it firmly and evenly into the edges and corners, though a silicon spatula will do.