Chocolatey and Fruity Treats with a Twist

When it comes to your sweet tooth, people often define themselves as chocolate lovers or fruity fans. When preparing for your next party, plan for unique treats sure to tickle the taste buds of both groups.

Sprinkle in some fun to upcoming birthday parties, classroom celebrations and other gatherings with these crowd-pleasing recipes. To ensure your party spread includes an assortment of treats, look past the standard fare of cupcakes and cookies and delight guests with creative and colorful desserts. These featured recipes are also a great way to get kids in the kitchen for some hands-on cooking fun.

A flavorful rivalry
While you may not be able to get all your party guests to agree on the same favorite flavor, there’s always room for a little rivalry. Pebbles is amping up the competition between Fruity Pebbles and Cocoa Pebbles. Choose your side – are you Team Fruity or Team Cocoa? Learn more at www.TeamPebbles.com.

Cafe and Cocoa Pebbles Rice Pudding

Ingredients

• 1 cup Cocoa Pebbles cereal
• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 cups water
• 3 teaspoons decaffeinated instant coffee
• 1 cup long grain rice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 ounce bittersweet chocolate
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup Cocoa Pebbles cereal

Preparation

1. Combine cereal and milk in cereal bowl. Allow to sit for 30 minutes. Strain out milk and discard cereal. Set aside.
2. Add water and instant coffee to heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring water to boil. Stir in rice and salt. Return water to boil. Reduce heat to low. Cook, covered, until water is absorbed and rice is tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Stir in cereal milk and cinnamon sticks. Increase heat to medium-high; bring milk to boil. Reduce heat to low. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and scorching, until mixture is thick and creamy, about 25 minutes. Remove cinnamon sticks. Stir in condensed milk, chocolate and vanilla. Cook, stirring often, until chocolate is melted and combined, about 2-3 minutes more. Cool completely.
4. Pour rice pudding into serving bowls, chill at least one hour. Sprinkle with cinnamon and additional cereal before serving.

Lime Cheesecake with Fruity Pebbles Crust

Ingredients

Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups Fruity Pebbles cereal
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup butter, melted

Filling:

• 8 ounces block-style cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 container (6-ounces) plain non-fat Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup honey
• Zest of 1 lime
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish (optional)

• 1 cup thawed whipped topping
• 1/4 cup Fruity Pebbles cereal
• Lime twist

Preparation

1. To make crust, in food processor, grind cereal into fine powder. Combine ground cereal, sugar and salt in medium sized bowl. Stir in melted butter until thoroughly blended.
2. Pack mixture firmly into 9-inch pie pan and press firmly to bottom and sides, bringing crumbs evenly up to rim.
3. Chill one hour before filling.
4. To make filling, with electric mixer, beat together cream cheese, yogurt, honey, lime zest and vanilla for 5 minutes until well combined and fluffy. Spoon into prepared pie crust and smooth top. Cover and refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.
5. To add optional garnish, when ready to serve, top each slice with dollop of whipped cream, sprinkling of fruity cereal crisps and twist of lime.

Sponsored by Post Cereals