Apple Jacks apples

I don't know why I've never seen apples made from Apple Jacks cereal before!  They are so easy, look so delicious and are an amazing portable breakfast or snack!

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Apples made of breakfast cereal

We all know that some mornings we start on the go.  If it's because we have a long bus ride or have to drive to school, this is a totally portable breakfast!! Or, a fun snack or dessert after school.

Ingredients:

4 Tablespoons butter
1 bag of marshmallows (16 oz bag)
7 cups Apple Jacks cereal
Thick Pretzel Rods (cut) for the stems

Directions:
In a microwave-safe dish, melt butter (about 30 seconds, then 15-second increments).
Swirl the butter around the dish so the marshmallows won't stick.
Add the bag of marshmallows. Yes, the whole bag!
Microwave to melt. I did 45 seconds, stirred, and then another 45 seconds.

Add 7 cups of Apple Jacks cereal.

I use a big ice cream scooper and a spoon to just scoop lumps of the Apple Jacks cereal mixture to portion. I've done a dozen smaller 'apples' or if you like do 9 larger 'apples'.

I have thin disposable gloves that I use for this next step. Your hands get a little messy - I often use food prep gloves. Make sure you spray your hands/gloves with non-stick spray. This allows you to easily shape the cereal mixture into the apples.

By the time you have portioned the cereal mixture, the cereal and marshmallow mixture is usually cool enough to handle.  If it gets too cool, you won't be able to shape the apples.

Add a cut pretzel rod to the top. Just poke it in.

As the Apple Jacks cereal mixture cools, the 'apples' may separate a bit. Make sure you re-form them. Once they cool, they will hold their shape.

Some back to school organizational tips

1. Lay out all your ingredients for anything you plan on making the night before. Make sure you have the directions handy too!
2. Help the kids choose what they plan to wear the next day. Check a weather app. first and then you will have the appropriate clothing for the weather.
3. Is homework all packed up? School supplies in order (pencils, pens etc.)?
4. Put the shoes by the door (a good way to check that they are reasonably clean and dry - I have boys).
5. Ask if there were any notes you should have read and/or signed. Yikes!!
6. Have you planned for lunch - either paid for hot lunch or packed a cold lunch?

Hope some of these tips help your morning run smoother. Also, hope you, and especially your kids, love these Apple Jacks apples! If you need them to be, they can be grabbed to go! Just make sure to bring along a glass of milk, to round out your portable breakfast.

Do you have any other important suggestions to make your school day start off smoothly?

Love cereal treats?  Here are some favorites!

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