Puffed-Rice Bars with Peanut Butter and Chocolate

Another winning recipe from Martha Stewart.

These bars are like the traditional Rice Krispies treats but the added peanut butter, chocolate and chopped peanuts keep them from being dull and boring and make them much better (in my opinion) than the standard square.  You even have the salty/sweet combination going on.  Even though they are similar to the scotcheroos I made a few weeks ago, they're different enough to be.....well, different!  I quite liked these little bars and also liked the fact the recipe made a small pan.  They were a great snack and one I'll make again. 

Puffed-Rice Bars with Peanut Butter and Chocolate

Printer-Friendly Version

3 T unsalted butter, plus more for baking dish

4 cups mini marshmallows

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 tsp. coarse salt

6 cups Rice Krispies

nonstick cooking spray or vegetable oil for pressing*

1 12-oz/350 g package of semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted

1/4 cup chopped, roasted salted peanuts

*I simply use a piece of waxed paper to press the cereal mixture into the pan.  It works great and the mixture doesn't stick to the wax paper.

Butter an 8-inch square baking dish (I used nonstick cooking spray).  In a large pot, combine marshmallows, peanut butter, butter, and salt.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until melted, about 4 minutes.  Add cereal and stir to combine.  With a wooden spoon greased with cooking spray or oil (or waxed paper), press half the cereal mixture into dish.  Spread half the melted chocolate on top.  Repeat with remaining cereal mixture and chocolate.  Sprinkle with peanuts.

Makes 16 bars.

Source:  Everyday Food - July/August 2010