Rice Krispie Treat Alternatives

Needed: 4 tablespoons or a half-stick of butter or margarine A 10.5oz bag of mini marshmallows 3/4 cup of creamy peanut butter 6 cups cereal (your choice) 2 cups raisins, cherries, or other dried fruits 1 cup peanuts, almonds, or other nuts Rarely do you find someone who doesnt love Rice Krispie treats. Youve tried them, havent you? The recipe is made from Rice Krispie cereal, and contains gooey, melted marshmallows. The crispy cereal bars are delicious but did you know that there are many variations that, for some people, are even tastier? There are lots of cereals - and other goodies - that can be used to make a dessert similar to the Rice Krispie treats. Serve them at special occasions or just whip some up for your family.

Cereal desserts are often made similar to Rice Krispie treats. Start out with four tablespoons or a half-stick of butter. Microwave the butter for about a minute to melt it. Stir in a 10.5oz package of miniature marshmallows and three-quarters of a cup of creamy peanut butter. Microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every minute, until its all fully melted. Stir in 6 cups of the chosen cereal, 2 cups of raisins, and a cup of peanuts. Butter a pan and pat the mixture into it. Allow it to cool to room temperature before cutting it into bars.

There are dozens and dozens of combinations that you can create for the cereal bars. Use Cocoa Krispies instead of Rice Krispies, or use Cheerios, Honey Nut Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, or another cereal choice. Instead of raisins, you can stir in currents, dried fruits, or chopped cherries. Rather than peanuts, try chopped almonds, walnuts, or cashews. Each time you trade out one ingredient for another, you create a completely different version of the cereal treats. Combine cocoa-flavored cereal with nuts and cherries, and the dessert will taste much different than if you mix up Cheerios with peanut butter and almonds. However, since the mixture already has marshmallows in it, Lucky Charms, or other marshmallow cereal, is not the best choice. Some good combinations for the bars include Raisin Bran cereal with raisins and nuts, Fruit Loop cereal with chopped cherries and nuts, Apple Jacks with dried apples and almonds, or Kix with peanut butter and peanuts. No matter what flavor, the cereal bars are great for birthday parties or for your own familys nightly dessert. They also make great snacks, party favors, and edible gifts.