Pumpkin Pie Spice Cereal Treats... Getting into the spirit

So... I've been told that I have no holiday spirit.  And, thinking back,  that just may be true.  Over the years holidays have become a lot of work, and I think I may have lost the "holiday spirit" somewhere along the way.  It was Liv's comment of "Other moms make the holiday so fun, but you just don't seem like you are having a good time..." that made me reflect on my attitude and I'm promising to work on an adjustment!

As such, I bring you a spooky spider (Liv will hate me for that!!) who has been living in my backyard, and a fall-filled Halloween treat bursting with the flavors of pumpkin pie.  A recent and exclusive to Target find, these Pumpkin Pie Spice M&M's are not something to be taken lightly.  Larger than the "regular" M&M, I hesitated when I first saw them, but they just sounded too tempting not to try.  And I'm so glad I did!

Reviews online have blasted the candies for not having a "pumpkin" flavor... but they are called "Pumpkin Pie Spice", not "pumpkin" M&M's, and I think they taste just like they say, albeit in a familiar M&M candy form.  Added to our Pumpkin Pie Spice enhanced Krispie Treats, these little candies bumped up the Ohh/Ahh factor and even my "I don't eat Krispie Treats" husband slyly reached for a second.

Not a hit with everyone though, my son refused to even try them claiming krispie treats and simply M&M's don't go together.  The dance girls, however, all gave them two thumbs up!

So here's to holiday spirit...  May your season be filled with happiness and spooky treats!

Pumpkin Pie Spice Krispie Treats

1/4 cup butter (we use Earth Balance Butter Substitute)

1 pkg marshmallows (larger package - about 7 cups)

1 1/2  tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice

6 cups Trader Joe's Honey Nut O's (or puffed rice cereal)

1 cup (or so!) Pumpkin Pie Spice M&M's

2/3 cup (or a big handful) additional marshmallows (optional)

Spray a 9x13-inch pan lightly with cooking spray and set aside.

Measure the puffed rice into a large bowl and add the M&M's along with a handful of marshmallows.  Also, set aside.

Set a large saucepan on the stove over medium to medium low heat.  Add the butter and then the marshmallows.  Continue to heat over low heat until everything is melted.  Add the pumpkin pie spice and stir to combine.

Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cereal mixture, quickly stirring well to evenly coat the cereal.  Moving quickly, pour the cereal mixture into the prepared pan and evenly press into the pan.

 

Allow to cool and set, then cut into squares and serve.  Enjoy!