The other day my youngest sister was coming through our area and she asked if she could stop by and have lunch with us. I love it when family comes through. It's so nice to have a little chat and eat some yummy food (if you're interested--I made this for her :).
She showed up at our door with my favorite pop and some treats for the kiddos (thanks Nat they loved them!). She brought one for everyone but my kids can't just calmly agree on which one they should get so I told them that they had to split all of it evenly.
After a few agruments we all cam to an "understanding" and I told them I would use the M&Ms to make them a snack for after school later in the week.
They decided that was great so several days later I made these delicious things. Like I've said before, we are huge peanut butter fans at our house, so this recipe was perfect for them. Also it's super easy and super fast. No baking involved. The kids loved them (and so did the hubs and I--we might of snuck several pieces). Definitely a keeper, especially for an after school treat.
Chewy Peanut Butter Granola Bars
(click here for printable version)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups quick oats
1/2 cup crispy rice cereal
3/4 cup chopped pretzels, optional
1/4 cup M&Ms or Reese's Pieces
1. Cut out an 8 x 8 inch square of parchment paper. Place the parchment paper in the bottom of an 8 x 8 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium sauce pan, over medium heat, add butter, brown sugar, honey and peanut butter. Stir occasionally until mixture starts to boil. Cook for 2 minutes while stirring continously. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
3. Stir in oats, rice crispy cereal, and pretzels (if you are using). Stir until well coated. Add candies (M&Ms or Resses Pieces) and fold gently together. Pour into your prepared pan and press the mixture evenly into the pan.
4. Place the bars in the refrigerator and let cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting. Enjoy!
Source: The Spiffy Cookie