flaky.

Flaky is a word that seems to have mostly negative connotations. For example, a flaky person is someone who's scatterbrained or ditzy, and a flaky scalp implies poor hygiene (which is usually not the case)(not that I have dandruff or anything)(really)(not that there's anything wrong with that)(if it is, in fact, unavoidable).


On the upside, a flaky pie crust is terrific, and I've just discovered that a flaky bar is pretty outstanding too.

Okay, so this is a different kind of flakeage altogether. These bars are made flaky by the use of cereal flakes--Caramel Nut Crunch, in this case. They bear a strong resemblance to your good ol' Rice Krispies (or Cheerios) Treat, but they're much more sophisticated. How so, you ask? Why, there's coconut in them! And sliced almonds! And bits of caramel-coated nuts!


These bars are easy to throw together and really tasty. The original recipe called for corn flakes, but I truly doubt that a version using Caramel Nut Crunch could be improved upon--the cereal adds a sweetness and nuttiness I suspect no other selection would provide.


Those caramel clusters are something else, folks.

Ah...I do love a quick fix. And the next time someone calls me flaky, I'll take it as a compliment.

Flaky Marshmallow Bars
1/3 cup butter or margarine
1 10 oz. package marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup shredded coconut
4 cups flaky cereal

Grease a 9x9-inch pan or line it with wax paper.
Melt the butter in the microwave; add the marshmallows and heat at 30-second intervals until melted and combined. Stir in the vanilla and cinnamon. Dump in the flakes and coconut, and stir to coat evenly. Press into the prepared pan and let set before cutting into bars.