Featured on TODAY Show: Culinary & Hospitality Trainees Brown Butter Rice Cereal Treats

This take on a classic sweet treat gains a little more nuance from browned butter. In the process of browning, the flavor becomes nutty, which you will smell as it cooks.

TECHNIQUE TIP: Keep a close eye on the butter as it's browning and swirl the pan, or remove it from the heat for a few seconds if you feel it's getting too hot. Don't rush the process.

Ingredients

• cooking spray or neutral oil for the pan

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

• 1 (10-ounce) bag marshmallows

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

• 4½ cups crispy rice cereal

Preparation

1. Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, then grease with cooking spray or wipe with oil.

2. Add the butter to a large saucepan set over low heat. Add the vanilla bean paste into the pan with the butter. The butter will melt, then begin to bubble and foam. Eventually, it will start to turn brown and smell nutty (be patient and watch carefully, as it can go from brown to burned quickly).

3. Once the butter is browned, add all of the marshmallows and the salt. Stir the mixture constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted. Turn off the heat under the pan and add the cereal. Use a rubber spatula or to coat the cereal evenly with the buttery marshmallow liquid. Spread the mixture in an even layer in the prepared baking pan. Let cool for at least an hour before cutting and serving.