school days

Although I don't have kids in school yet this time of year is all around us. I got into the spirit of things with the following treats.

Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Instead of buying granola bars, which appear to be candy bars anymore, how about these homemade versions that are so simple to make.

ingredients:
1 large egg

1/2 c. old fashioned oats

1/2 c. dried cranberries

1/2 c. sliced almonds

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 c. natural peanut or almond butter

1/2 c. light brown sugar

3 tbls vegetable oil

1/2 tsp cinnamon

directions:

preheat oven tp 300 degrees. Line an 8 in. square baking pan with 2 crisscrossed pieces of parchment paper, leaving overhang to pull out after cooked. In a large bowl, combine oats, almonds, and cranberries.

In a small saucepan, whisk together oil, brown sugar, peanut butter, cinnamon, saltand 1 tbls water over low heat until sugar has dissolved, about 5 min. Let cool slightly; whisk in egg white. Pour over mixture; stir until moistened. Spread evenly in bottom of pan; smooth over top.

Bake until top is firm, about 30 min. Let cool 10 min. Lift out using those paper handles. Let cool completely, cut into bars with serrated knife.
Enjoy!!!

Rice Krispie Treats (always a classic)
ingredients:
3 tbls butter or margerine

1 package (10 oz bag or 4) regular marshmallows or 4 cups marshmallows

6 c. rice krispies

directions:

In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir completely melted. Remove from heat.
Add rice krispies cereal. Stir until well coated. And for good measure I added in 1 c. mini chocolate chips.
Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13x9x2 inch coated with cooking spray. Cool. Cut into squares.

Yummmmmm....

Happy school days!