Rice Krispie Treats

4 T. butter
1 pkg. (12 oz.) JET-PUFFED Marshmallows
5 1/2 c. Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal
1/2 c. creamy peanut butter (optional)

Butter a 9x13" pan.

Stove-top:
In a large pot, melt butter. Add marshmallows, heat for 2-3 minutes over low heat, stirring constantly, until marshmallows are mostly melted. Stir in cereal until thoroughly combined. Press into a buttered 9x13" pan, using a piece of waxed paper.

Microwave:
In a large microwavable bowl, heat butter on HIGH for 45 seconds, or until melted.
Add marshmallows; toss to coat. Microwave 1 minute 20 seconds or until marshmallows are completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after 45 seconds. Add cereal immediately; mix well. Press into greased or buttered 13x9-inch pan.

Cool completely. Cut into 12 squares

Chili Con Carne (Adapted from Betty Crocker Cookbook recipe)

1/4 t. garlic, minced
1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
2 stalks celery, cut up (optional) or 1/4 t. celery seed
1 lb. ground beef (or more)
garlic salt, to taste

Seasonings: (double, if desired)
1T. Chili powder
1 t. ground cumin
1 t. Chili Con Carne seasoning, from Penzey's Spices (optional)
1 1/2 t. oregano leaves
1 t. cocoa powder

2 cans tomato sauce (ideally, low sodium)
2 cans stewed tomatoes
2 cans S&W pintos, in chili sauce
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can Kidney beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
2 Bay leaves (optional)- adds good flavor

Sauté garlic, onions and celery in 1 T. extra virgin olive oil. Set aside. In a large pot, brown ground beef, drain. (I put a large paper towel in the bottom of a bowl and put the ground beef on top of it to drain fat. As a bonus, I find that the meat doesn't freeze together in a big block when I take the time to do this step; let cool and store in a large, dated, Ziplock bag.)

Seasonings: I always double the seasonings, which makes it a bit more spicy and flavorful.

Add remaining ingredients except the beans. Heat to boiling: reduce heat. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, 1 hour.

Stir in beans. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered, stirring mixture occasionally, 20 minutes.

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INSTANT POT:

After sautéing minced garlic & chopped onions  and browning and draining ground beef; add to the  bottom of the Instant Pot. Add remaining ingredients except the beans. Pressure cook for 8 minutes. Natural release for 2 minutes and then release the remaining pressure. Remove bay leaves. Add beans. Pressure cook for 2 minutes. Release pressure, stir and serve.