Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup high-fructose corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the peanut butter, high-fructose corn syrup, and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the crispy rice cereal until it is evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly with a spatula.
5. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and melted.
6. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the peanut butter bars and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.
7. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- No specific temperature required
Serving size:
- 12 bars
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 410
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Protein: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 49g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Creamy almond butter can be substituted for the peanut butter.
- Light corn syrup can be substituted for the high-fructose corn syrup.
- Milk chocolate chips can be substituted for the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Chopped almonds or cashews can be substituted for the chopped peanuts.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the peanut butter mixture for a tropical twist.
- Substitute the crispy rice cereal with crushed graham crackers for a s'mores-inspired treat.
- Add 1/4 cup of raisins or dried cranberries to the peanut butter mixture for a fruity twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup to press the mixture firmly into the baking dish.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares to prevent them from falling apart.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Storage instructions:
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
- No reheating required.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the bars on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Garnishes:
- Chopped peanuts or almonds
- Shredded coconut
- Powdered sugar
Pairings:
- A glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Vanilla ice cream
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon of high-fructose corn syrup at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
- If the bars are too crumbly, press the mixture down more firmly into the baking dish.
Food safety advice:
- Wash your hands and all surfaces and utensils that come into contact with the food before and after preparing the recipe.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Food history:
- Peanut butter bars have been a popular treat in the United States since the 1920s.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet and nutty with a crispy texture.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the bars as a dessert or snack.
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