I do love decadent chocolaty things very much. But I recognize that not everyone shares this appreciation, because of predisposition or circumstance. On the occasion of Easter, all I really want to do is make treats in mass quantities and give them to my family and friends. Truth is, though, that they want a taste (or two) but probably not a boatload of sugary, unhealthy treats. When it comes to Easter treats, I love novelty. I love to try to think of something that I haven’t seen before. One year it was chocolate covered Peeps pops, another was mini fondant covered carrot cakes…you see where I am going with this.
The two people that I most want to make treats for are probably the least likely candidates for eating goodies: my two absolute sweet pea nieces, ages 4 and nearly 1. My younger niece is an active new eater and loves to munch away on bits of bagel and crackers and occasionally cookies. As a wee one, many of the treats that her older sister can enjoy are off limits to her. This got me to thinking about homemade treats that are more appropriate for new eaters and are foods that are familiar and easy to eat. What could I make for her that would be a special treat? Chocolate covered Cheerios!
After doing a bit of sleuthing online, I learned that the idea is not unique and that the venerable and wonderfully charming roller-skating chocolatier Jacques Torres beat me to it. His chocolate covered Cheerios are fully enrobed, and that’s not exactly how I pictured the ones I would make for a tot (too messy!). The last time I was in New York City I went to Torres’ store on Hudson Street and had a hot chocolate and bought some treats to bring home. I wish I had seen the Cheerios then. Honestly, it was the most decadent chocolate experience I have ever had and it seemed as if the cup contained only melted chocolate. Ah, happiness, wonderful, chocolaty happiness.
Sweet Pea’s Chocolate Cheerios
Ingredients:
1 cup Cheerios (I also think the new Banana Nut ones would be fab)
2 ounces of chocolate melts (available in craft stores)
or
2 ounces chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon of butter
This is what chocolate melts (sometimes called chocolate or candy wafers) look like.
Directions:
Place a piece of waxed paper on a baking sheet.
Spread Cheerios in a single layer on waxed paper.
Carefully melt chocolate in double boiler or in microwave (in 20 second intervals).
Carefully drizzle thin streams of chocolate over cereal.
Allow chocolate to set up, about 30 minutes, and then store in an air tight container.
I liked this cheery yellow container for packaging this treat. The color reminds me of the Cheerios box.
After mentioning this project to a friend, she mused about a chocolate bar with Cheerios in it. That reminded me of one of my favorite snacks when I was a classroom teacher, Cheerios GORP, which included Cheerios, dried cherries, and almonds. This, of course, seems like a natural fit for a chocolate bar or candy clusters.
Melt chocolate and combine with cereal.
Add some yummy stuff. I added sliced almonds and chopped dried cherries.
Use a spoon to drop clusters onto waxed paper.
To make a chocolate bar, get a mold at least 1/2 inch deep. Sprinkle some cereal and add-ins in the mold, leaving room to pour in chocolate.
A mold like this one is the right size.
Molds like these can be found at most craft stores. Learn how to mold chocolate candy.