Tara's Favorite "No Bake" Bar

“A pantry without peanut butter is empty.” - Tara Olson

When You Have That Craving For Something Sweet

When I was a child, Rice Krispie Treats were all the rage in my friends' lunch boxes. I wasn't a fan of them then and am not now. These treats were made with marshmallows and I think they were just too sweet and gooey for me. I feel almost un-American in admitting this dislike for such a popular snack.

I'm not sure where Mom got the recipe for her Peanut Butter Bars, but I thought they tasted way better than Rice Krispie Treats. I've found similar recipes online but none this simple. It's just 4 ingredients and does not require baking. I made dozens and dozens of these when I was pregnant! It's what I craved around three o'clock in the afternoon.

Peanut butter fans aged 1 to 120 will love these. I hope it goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway. This recipe is not appropriate for someone allergic to peanuts or other nuts.

Mom's Peanut Butter Goodies

Ingredients:

1/2 cup maple syrup or honey (I prefer honey.)

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup peanut butter (I prefer smooth over crunchy.)

2 cups of crisp ready to eat rice cereal (I prefer Rice Krispies.)

Directions:

Grease an 8" square pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter.

Pour honey (or syrup) and sugar into a 2 quart sauce pan and bring to a boil for approximately 30 seconds.

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the peanut butter until blended in with the honey (or syrup) and sugar.

Add the cereal and mix well.

Press the mixture into the greased square pan so that it fills the pan edge to edge.

Let the mixture stand in the pan until it is firm--about 25 to 30 minutes. Once it is firm you can cut it into squares. I usually cut into 20 squares--5 cuts by 4 cuts.

Store in a storage container. They do not require refrigeration. Enjoy!

Extras:

You can add extras like topping them with chocolate frosting or dipping them into your favorite jam or jelly.