In the kitchen: salted brown butter rice crispy treats.

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A few weeks ago, for whatever reason, we were eating like second graders. Mind you, we were fancy little ones, for what eight-year-old wouldn't make their own roasted tomato soup or pizza with homemade dough and sauce, but still, it was comforting. I don't know what it was that made us crave the foods that reminded us of being little. I'm not saying we'd enjoy eating that way all the time or even that eight-year-olds should only eat "child-friendly food" (there's a whole separate post in here somewhere about children eating what their parents eat...but I'll save that for another day). Yet in the middle of readings, work, and all the other no-fun-adult things we were up to, it perfectly hit the spot. 

Keeping in the spirit of the kids' menu, I figured these would be just right to make: salted brown butter rice crispy treats. Not the most sophisticated of desserts, but they fit right in with our journey back to childhood foods and I loved them. Keep in mind this is coming from someone who's not a big fan of marshmallows (I'll give in to a few if there's chocolate and a bonfire), but the salt and the brown butter take these bars to a whole new level. They're super easy to make, as easy as the regular ones, and in my opinion, taste oh, so much better. That might have something to do with the full stick of butter that's browned until it's deeply golden and fills the kitchen with a rich nutty smell, but what do I know? Try these for yourself and find out...don't be surprised if you're just as excited to dig in to them now, as an adult, as you were when you were eight. 

Salted Brown Butter Rice Crispy Treats, via Smitten Kitchen. 
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1 stick unsalted butter, plus more for the pan

1 10-oz. bag marshmallows

Heaping 1/4 tsp. sea salt

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Butter an 8-inch square cake pan, set aside. 

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat until in browns (several minutes, but watch this carefully, because you don't want it to burn). Stir frequently to scrape up the brown bits off the bottom of the pan. 

As soon as the butter takes on a dark, nutty color, take it off the heat and stir in the marshmallows until they're melted and smooth. 

Stir in the salt and cereal, then quickly spread into the prepared pan. 

Let cool before cutting into bars...the tempting brown butter smell and snap-crackle-pop of the cereal prove this is harder to do than one might originally think. 

Chicago, according to Instagram, iPhoto, and KitCam.

What a fantastic day. We couldn't have asked for better weather or a better day off in one of our favorite cities. I'll let our photos tell the story. 

There's something about Chicago that's so moving, loud, and alive. I really like Shorewood and am happy to be living where we are, but being surrounded by the activity and the pace of a busier city is something that we both found we were missing. That just means we'll have to be out and about a lot when we're home in Minneapolis in a few weeks...let the countdown begin!

Minne...sconsin?

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I've been terrible at posting lately. And there's been a good amount of excitement in our apartment, too! 

This past weekend, Andrew's parents came to visit! It was so, so great to have them here, we were so glad to take them around the city. We love visitors (hint hint, family and friends), and not just because it gives us the perfect reason to go out and enjoy Milwaukee, but because we love having people stay with us! Our apartment at home in MN was always a gathering place, and we've really missed not having people stop by or stay over. Of course, I failed and didn't get any group pictures of the four of us...I always want to, but because getting everyone in it without leaving someone out to take the photo involves asking random people to step up, I forget about it. So the only picture I could come up with that best encapsulates the MN-WI love from the weekend is the one above. Don't you love it? I actually saw someone wearing it last summer on a walk we took on Stone Arch; how appropriate. 

Onto more double state news - I was sworn in today as a Wisconsin attorney, and can now officially practice in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. The ceremony was in Madison, and, I have to say, beat out the MN ceremony last October on nearly every level except for the fact that I knew no one there. It was much (much) shorter, held inside the Supreme Court Chambers at the Capitol building, and my name was pronounced correctly! Sorry, dear MN, but you lose this one. 

In other news, we'll be home in ONE MONTH for my sister's graduation from the University of Minnesota! Fight that senioritis (although I fear it may be too late for that) as hard as you can, D, and we'll be sure to celebrate lots and lots when you're done.

 Hugs, like the shirt, from the 414. 

Lately.

Life is busy, but we're managing. Things that make everything better include lovely springtime ranunculus, our new Bodum coffee press, Sunday soccer mornings, and a fresh basil plant (which we've pretty much used up already...). This springtime weather is a mean joke - but at least the all the rain we're getting is making the grass green and helping the snow to melt. I keep thinking, though, that it could be worse, as everyone at home is bracing for lots and lots of snow! 

Oh, and apparently today is National Sibling Day. Somehow this most important of holidays crept up on me so I didn't have time to send my siblings cards...sorry, dudes. But all joking aside, I have to say that I do really have the best siblings, and that I'm quite proud of them (not only am I that terrible older sister who didn't send out Happy National Sibling Day cards, I'm pretty sappy, too). I miss you both like crazy, and can't wait until our next reunion. Xoxo to you (like the laugh). 

In the kitchen: strawberry shortcakes.

Our kitchen has been turning out some lovely desserts lately - all light, fresh, and (to accommodate two busy schedules) not too difficult to make. Last Sunday, I made these deliciously easy strawberry shortcakes for our Easter dinner dessert. Smitten Kitchen never fails. Even though the recipe was originally posted with summer in mind, we found they worked just as well for an early spring treat. 

Wouldn't these be perfect for a Sunday brunch? Add a mimosa and you're set! 

This month.

I'm starting a new series on the blog where I note the little (and big) things I'm looking forward to in the upcoming month. There are so many exciting things ahead of us!

What are you looking forward to this month?