History of Rice Krispies Treats
Rice Krispies treats were originally called "Puffed Wheat Squares" with a recipe included for the tasty treat included in a dessert book written in 1938 by Lucy Maltby. The author's recipe included cereal, butter, sugar, molasses, and vinegar. A similar recipe for dessert squares called, "Puffed Rice Brittle" was also featured in an earlier cookbook in 1916. The Campfire Girls troop leader, and Kellogg's employee, Mildred Day is generally credited in bringing the inexpensive treat to life, and public consciousness, after her scouts sold hundreds of Rice Krispies Treats during the summer of 1939 in a small town in Michigan.
Mildred Day needed a fundraiser, which would allow her Campfire Girls the ability to raise a large amount of money for their summer camps and activity programs. The Kellogg brand was popular in her area of Michigan not solely for value of their products, but for commitment to community. During the Great Depression, the company didn't fire workers, and shipped products overseas to the armed forces. Banking on the loyalty of families of Battle Creek, Day planned to promote the Campfire Girls fundraiser as a way to not only assist the young scouts, but to support the company, which had shown compassion, and support to working families and soldiers.
Kellogg's Adds Rice Krispies Recipe to Back of Cereal Box
