Crispy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Squares

It's been awhile since I've shared more than dinner recipes that we're eating round these parts.  So I hope you enjoy my latest creation. 

Crispy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Squares
Ingredients

• 1/2 cup peanut butter (or any nut butter, I've used almond butter as well)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons ground flaxseed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-1/2 cups puffed brown rice cereal
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats (uncooked)
• 3/4 cup  dried cranberries or raisins
• 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows (totally optional; they up the 'fun' factor for the kids, though)

Directions:
LINE an 8-inch square pan with foil, extending over opposite ends of pan (or lightly coat with cooking spray).
PLACE peanut butter, honey in large microwave-safe bowl.
HEAT on high power for 2 minutes until bubbly and heated through. Remove bowl from microwave.
ADD vanilla; stir until mixture is smooth.
ADD cereal, flax, oats and craisins or raisins. Gently stir without crushing cereal and fold in the mini marshmallowsPRESS warm mixture very firmly into prepared pan.
COOL at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes. LIFT out of pan if using foil; cut into bars.
STORE bars in plastic wrap or tightly covered container, at room temperature or in refrigerator.

Makes 16 bars.

It's adapted from I recipe I came across in a magazine ad for Sun Maid raisins awhile back. I've substituted ground flax for the sugar it called for (with all the honey, there was no need for it and I always throw flax into baked goods), added a small amount of  marshmallows for fun, and substituted puffed brown rice cereal - even Kellogs Rice Krispies makes brown rice cereal now.  I've been enjoying them for breakfast lately and they're another good pre-race treat along with a banana, of course.  Plus, it's an easy and fun recipe for kids.




This picture is from some different recipe making, but you get the general idea.  FYI, the recipe we were making on that day is FANTASTIC: box of devils food cake mix + 14oz can of pumpkin puree, cook as directed (we made muffins).  That's it.  You can also add some mini chocolate chips to make it even more decadent.  via Pinterest