It happens all the time. You find a great recipe that uses cheese you can’t find locally. Or a fruit or vegetable that you’ve never seen for sale. Or a seasoning that’s common in another country, but that none of your favourite stores carry.
Do you give up and make something else? Or do you go to the ends of the earth to make the longed-for recipe happen?
This is a tale of the latter.
When Andrew and I were in Chicago in July, we visited Mindy Segal’s restaurant, Mindy’s Hot Chocolate, as part of a food tour. We loved the chocolate drink we were served, and I promised myself I’d try her new cookbook as soon as I got home.
When I got back, I flipped through the pages of this gorgeous cookbook. Everything looked delicious, but the recipe that really called out to me was Barter Brownies. Apparently, the first time Mindy tried them, she loved them so much she bartered one of her own recipes in exchange for this one. High praise indeed from a James Beard-winning cook.
And I was all ready to make them, when I was stumped by the exotic ingredient in question – Cocoa Rice Krispies.
Apparently those of you who live in the US can buy Cocoa Rice Krispies any time you like, but that’s a pleasure denied to us Canadians. To the best of my knowledge and research abilities, Cocoa Rice Krispies are not sold here.
Fortunately, my aunt was visiting from California in a few weeks, and I put in a special request. And she delivered, bringing the cereal in her suitcase. I didn’t waste any time making these wonderful brownies, and my family didn’t waste any time polishing them off with smiles on their faces.
And the best part is this – the recipe only calls for 1 1/2 cups of Cocoa Rice Krispies, which means I can make a few more batches before I have to put in another call for a special delivery.
There are several exotic fruits that I've really wanted to get ahold of–though fruit can be tough to mail! Still, it's too bad international shipping isn't based on distance. You could get your cocoa krispies from the US and I could get my Wafu Salad dressing from Canada (esp since we are both near borders).
Or maybe sometime you and I could meet halfway and deliver the appropriate products to each other! It never occurred to me there might be products I could buy in Canada that weren't available in the U.S. I'll be sure to put Wafu salad dressing on my grocery list!
Like yesterday I saw a recipe using fresh cranberries which ain't something you can easily find in our local supermarkets and I don't think I have ever seen the frozen one here either.
Your brownies look rich and wonderfully delicious.
Sounds delicious. I think I'm going to try these. Too bad the cereal is so hard for you to get.
Oh, these sound wonderful! Just FYI, if you ever need another both of Cocoa Krispies, you can always ask us — they're super easy to get here, and I can easily ship a box up to Canada. =)
Oh, heavenly!! I want this so bad, Beth! There is so much amazing food in Chicago and now I realize I must stop by Mindy's. I've heard of it and seen the book but didn't realize it was in Chicago.
WOW! It looks gorgeous, Beth!
PS. It's Marcela from tortadellafiglia I moved to tastefolio.com! Hope you'll like it 🙂
Mindy Segal is so nice. There was a recipe she posted years ago when she worked at Charlie Trotters restaurant. I contacted her and she walked me through the recipe on the phone for a good 1/2 hour maybe longer. I haven't seen this book but will be sure to check it out. Of course these cocoa krispy treats will certainly be a hit at my home.
Marcela, thanks for the update – I'll be sure to check out your new blog!
And what a kind offer, Amy. I might just take you up on it! xo
It is so weird you don't have these particular crisps, we have them in Greece which is so far away from the US lol! Anyway, you were lucky to have someone coming and bringing them so you could make this delicious sweet treat!
Ooh, love the sound of these chocolate gems! And if you ever need another delivery, just message me and I'll mail you a box 🙂
i've been taking cocoa krispies for granted all this time! what a great use for them–i don't really go for them as an actual cereal, but these look amazing!
Beth, these Barter Brownies not only have a fun name but they look utterly delightful – my kids would adore them, so I bookmarked the recipe and took a note of the cookbook – I will look it up as it sounds wonderful.
You can probably order cocoa krispies online too. I wonder what the recipe would be like with regular rice krispies as well. Perhaps you can create an even better recipe 🙂
I actually didn't know Cocoa Rice Krispies existed! Great idea though. And I'll have to buy some so I can make this. 🙂 Really super recipe — thanks.
What a shabby American I am – never heard of Cocoa Rice Krispies! But you're right – the recipe sounds utterly delicious and worth going to the ends of the earth (or the USA) to make these.
These look to be well worth the extra effort, Beth. Yum.
Amalia
xo
These brownies would be a big hit with our grandchildren, they love rice krispies. I know what you mean about searching out ingredients…when we moved to Florida, I brought some pantry items with us that I knew I couldn't get here. 😀
These sound wonderful Beth – I bet you can order Cocoa Krispies on Amazon. It was always my favorite as a kid 🙂 Have a great weekend!
This looks delicious! I'm totally making these soon. We're chocolate lovers. I guess I should feel lucky we have Cocoa Krispies. It's one of my kids' favorite cereal.
I'd be up for a swap meeting sometime! I even had my daughter bring back macadamia nut oil from her semester in Ireland since it was half the price there that it is here! Loving good food is so challenging sometimes!
this is so funny to me–that the cocoa krispies of my youth have gained an "exotic" status. the brownies look terrific and I know that those crispy rice puffs give it a compelling crunch.
These sound so good! I think when you can't get hold of something normally it makes it all the better when you can finally get it!
These look delicious. I will have to check out this baker, I am not familiar with her. Have a great week.
Glad you got a hold of some those "exotic" Cocoa Krispies! My kids love that cereal, and I know they will love these Barter Brownies. They really look so chocolaty and good 🙂