Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal and 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts (if using).
3. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1 cup of light corn syrup, and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
4. Remove the peanut butter mixture from heat and stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
5. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the Rice Krispies and peanuts, and stir until well combined.
6. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a wooden spoon or spatula to smooth it out.
7. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.
8. Pour the melted chocolate over the Rice Krispies mixture and spread it evenly with a spatula.
9. Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate has hardened.
10. Once chilled, remove the bars from the baking dish and cut into desired size and shape.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Temperature:
Medium heat for cooking the peanut butter mixture
Serving size:
Makes 12-16 bars
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 320
Total fat: 15g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 160mg
Total carbohydrate: 44g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugars: 32g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Creamy almond butter can be used in place of peanut butter for a nut-free version.
- Honey or maple syrup can be used in place of corn syrup.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the Rice Krispies mixture for extra chocolate flavor.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a different flavor.
- Drizzle melted peanut butter over the top of the chocolate layer for a decorative touch.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars for clean edges.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- To make the bars easier to cut, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing.
Storage instructions:
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
These bars are best served chilled and do not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the bars on a platter or cake stand for a festive presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped peanuts or additional Rice Krispies cereal over the top of the chocolate layer for added texture.
Pairings:
Serve with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
These bars are a sweet treat and do not require a side dish.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the peanut butter mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- If the chocolate layer is not spreading evenly, use a spatula to gently spread it out.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to use fresh ingredients and store the bars in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
Rice Krispies treats have been a popular dessert since the 1930s, and variations of the classic recipe have been created over the years.
Flavor profiles:
These bars have a sweet and salty flavor, with a crunchy texture from the Rice Krispies and peanuts.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these bars as a dessert or snack.
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