Pumpkin-Shaped Crisped Rice Treats

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These ridiculously cute crisped rice treats swap out the traditional butter (or margarine) for bacon fat, which lends a slightly savory note and helps balance out all that “marshmallowy” sweetness. Cooking an 8-ounce package of Applegate Naturals^® Sunday Bacon^® Brand will give you just what you need to make this recipe.

Makes 12 | Total Time: Less Than 30 Mins

Ingredients

3 tablespoons bacon fat from Applegate Naturals^® Sunday Bacon^® Brand or Applegate Naturals^® No Sugar Bacon
1 (10-ounce) bag miniature marshmallows
Orange food coloring, optional
6 cups crisped rice cereal
Orange sparkling sugar, optional
12 miniature peanut butter cups, other chocolate candy or pretzel nibs
12 (3-inch) strands green licorice

Instructions

Melt the bacon fat in a large deep skillet over medium-low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir with a rubber spatula until melted and smooth. If desired, stir in a few drops of food coloring to tint the mixture orange.
Remove from the heat and stir in the cereal until completely combined.
Working quickly, roll the mixture into 12 balls, flattening slightly to make a pumpkin shape. If you like, sprinkle some sparkling sugar over the “pumpkins.”
Top each with a peanut butter cup for a stem and a curled piece of licorice for a vine.
The treats will keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.