Berry Rice Krispies Treats and Smithsonian National Museum of American History

A recipe for Berry Rice Krispies Treats along with some photos of our visit to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.

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Smithsonian National Museum of American History

The National Museum of American History is located in Washington D.C. on the corner of 14th Street and Constitution Avenue. It is open daily (except Christmas) from 10 am to 5:30 pm with occasional extended hours to 7:30 pm. Admission is free.

Originally opened in January 1964 as the Museum of History and Technology, the museum switched its current name in 1980. It has undergone a few major renovations over the years including the latest with some sections of the west wings closed during our visit in February. It looks like a few of those exhibits have just opened: American Democracy: The Great Leap of Faith and Many Voices, One Nation. Here is more information on the current exhibits.

The National Museum of American History is home to over three million objects (5-8% are on display at any given time) that focus on American history and culture including the original 34 ft long Star-Spangled Banner, Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers (currently out on loan), Declaration of Independence Desk, Abraham Lincoln’s top hat, Muhammad Ali’s Boxing Gloves, the Greensboro Lunch Counter, and C-3PO from Return of the Jedi.

We generally spend about two hours here, but that is not nearly enough time to see everything. It usually works out best to look through the list of exhibits ahead of time and pick out your favorites before visiting.

This museum is a particular favorite for Evan and Claire. While some sections have been created just for children, many of the other exhibits have hands-on activities and displays at a height that is easy for them to reach.

The Dolls’ House on the first floor always catches their eye. They love to look through the details in each of the 23 rooms and make up stories about the scenes.

Places of Invention

Evan especially enjoyed the Places of Invention. This exhibit is split into six communities with each focusing on ideas from different parts of the country like the rise of the personal computer in Silicon Valley, California and hip-hop’s birth in the Bronx, New York.

Food: Transforming the American Table

A highlight for me was FOOD: Transforming the American Table 1950-2000. This area explores the changes in food and eating due to technological advances and shifts in social and cultural life.

It also includes a section devoted to Julia Child with her Cambridge, Massachusetts kitchen (photo above).

The First Ladies

The First Ladies exhibit features the roles of the First Lady through history. Notable items include gowns from Martha Washington and Michelle Obama (photo above) along with sets of White House China. I loved walking through and seeing how fashion and tastes have developed over the years.

Wegmans Wonderland

We always end up spending a good portion of our time in Wegmans Wonderland. Everything here is hands-on for ages 0-6. Children can play, build, and explore. Evan enjoyed grocery shopping while Claire’s favorite area was the Julia Child kitchen made just for her size. It is open 10-4 and closed on Tuesdays.

On busy days, there may be a line to enter and it is first come first serve with timed tickets on weekends and federal holidays.  This section also has stroller parking, family restrooms, and an area to nurse.

For those who have outgrown Wegmans Wonderland, the Spark!Lab next door is available for children 6-12 years of age. Themes change often and focus on inventions that combine STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) with art and creativity. The lab is also open 10-4 and closed on Tuesdays.

Stars and Stripes Cafe

There are two lunch options to choose from in the museum. We stopped for a snack at the Stars and Stripes Cafe in the lower level. It is open from 11-3 and has a variety of options cafeteria-style. Choices include all-American barbeques, soups, salad bar, burgers, pizza and desserts. The seating area holds 600.

It was still under construction during our visit, but the LeRoy Neiman Jazz Cafe is newly renovated and now open to the public. This cafe is located on the first floor and open from 10-5. The food is inspired by New Orleans with gumbo, muffuletta, po’ boy sandwiches, and more.

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• Çılbır (Turkish Poached Eggs with Yogurt) and Washington DC
• Rice with Butter and Soy Sauce and National Building Museum
• Homemade Spinach Fettuccine and United States National Arboretum, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Union Market

Berry Rice Krispies Treats

To celebrate July 4th and our trip to the National Museum of American History, I added some holiday spirit to an American favorite- Rice Krispies Treats! I came across the idea for this recipe at Runway Chef and loved the addition of freeze-dried mixed berries incorporated throughout the treats. Browning the butter adds an extra depth of flavor.

Be careful when browning the butter and keep a close eye on it. You want the butter to just become golden with a nutty fragrance. There is a fine line between the perfectly browned specks and burnt. Once you mix in the marshmallows, work quickly to form the Berry Rice Krispies Treats. The mixture will cool quickly.

After forming the mixture into a square, I used a cookie cutter to cut out individual stars. Oil the cutter as needed to keep the Rice Krispies from sticking. If you decide to do squares, let them cool to room temperature before slicing. Top the stars with ground freeze-dried berries or melted white chocolate to style them a bit. I personally like to dip one side of each treat in melted, smooth white chocolate and cover in colorful sprinkles.

Freeze-dried berries can be found in the snack section of many larger grocery stores. They are also available on Amazon: Trader Joe’s Freeze Dried Fruit Variety Pack.

Berry Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Adapted from Runway Chef

Print Pin

5 from 3 votes

Berry Rice Krispies Treats

A recipe for Berry Rice Krispies Treats with three types of freeze-dried berries!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword berry, blueberry, dessert, raspberry, rice krispies, rice krispies treats, strawberry, white chocolate

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Resting Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Servings 12 stars

Ingredients

• 5 cups rice krispies
• 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries finely chopped
• 1/2 cup freeze-dried raspberries finely chopped
• 1/2 cup freeze-dried blueberries finely chopped
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 10 1/2 ounces mini marshmallows
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

• Melted white chocolate for drizzling or dipping
• Ground freeze-dried strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for garnish
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles for sprinkling over the white chocolate

Instructions

• Cover a work surface with a sheet of parchment.
• In a large bowl, toss together the rice krispies, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
• In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it foams and brown specks begin to form, reduce heat to low and immediately stir in the salt, mini marshmallows, and vanilla extract until the marshmallows are melted and smooth.
• Remove from heat and immediately stir in the rice krispies and berries until well-coated. Pour the mixture onto the piece of parchment and pat down gently (form into a square, but don't press down too hard), using gloves or another piece of parchment if too hot to handle, into a square about 1 inch thick. If cutting out shapes, use the star or other desired cutter to cut shapes out of the square, oiling the cookie cutter as needed to prevent the marshmallows from sticking. Work quickly and press the excess back into a square and cut out 2-3 more.
• Allow to rest at room temperature until set. If desired, dip the rice krispies treats in melted white chocolate or drizzle over the top. You can also sprinkle ground freeze-dried berries or sprinkles. Serve once the chocolate has set or store in an air-tight container for up to 2 days.