Treats and a Red Belt

Caleb loves to sit up on the counter and help me.  I think he just likes to be the quality control taster :)  He's good and unwrapping those caramels though!  :)

 My friend made these snack bars for a class party we were at last year for 1st grade.  They are SO good.  Sort of a jazzed up variety - kind of like rice krispie treats but way better!  

Here's the recipe:

6 cups Multigrain Cheerios

1 bag (14 oz) vanilla caramels, unwrapped

3 TB water

2 c. mini marshmallows

1/2 c. semisweet or milk choc. chocolate chips

1 TB shortening

1/4 c. mini M&Ms

Spray bottom of 9x13 baking dish.  Place caramels and water in a bowl and microwave on high, stirring every minute, until mixture is smooth.  Pour melted caramel over Cheerios and stir until cereal is coated. Gently stir in marshmallows. Pour cereal mixture into pan and use press with the buttered back of a spoon. Combine chocolate chips and shortening. Microwave on high, stirring every minute until smooth.  Drizzle melted chocolate over cereal mixture. Sprinkle with M&Ms. Refrigerate 1 hour, or until bars are firm and glaze is set.  (Learn from the voice of experience. Don't serve them on a napkin. :-) Wax paper or sandwich bag works much better!)

 Josiah had his rank test last weekend for his red belt - first belt in the advanced ranks.  Sensei has a new procedure now where he evaluates their test and looks over the scores and feedback from his other instructors, as well as considers their effort and participation in class.  He then decides if they advance or not and the kids are awarded their belts the following week in class (if they pass).  This more stringent procedure made Josiah nervous....although we were fairly confident he was going to pass :)  We waited anxiously at the beginning of class today...

 YEP - he's going to get his red belt!!  WHEW!

Way to go Josiah!  SO proud of you and all your hard work!!!  Two more until BLACK BELT!!