Peanut Butter Bites

I will admit, I am a typical foodie, food blogger, etc.  If I see something on T.V. or in the store that looks delicious, I get right to the kitchen and try to recreate it myself.  This has happened a good handful of times......at least.  I saw these peanut butter bites advertised on T.V.  This was actually quite some time ago.  I was hungry for peanut butter the other day and suddenly I remembered that I never tried to make them, or rather make MY version of them.  I got to work, and although I am not sure if they are exactly the same, in my world, they are the clouds of peanut butter heaven!

These are so easy, and you should totally get your kids or grand kids in the kitchen with you.  Nieces, nephews, cousins, just get them involved.   Who cares of they don't end up the same size, I am a grown woman and mine didn't! Who cares if they get dirty, there are these new fangled things called washing machines!  Who cares if they lick the peanut butter off before making a new one, germs are healthy!

Find a little person who can help you and have a blast!

1 cup creamy peanut butter
3/4 cup rice crispy cereal
3/4 powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups peanut butter chips
vegetable oil

In a bowl combine peanut butter, cereal, and powdered sugar.  Mix until completely combined.  Refrigerate dough for 20 minutes.  Use a tablespoon measure and roll mixture into balls.  Place on foil or parchment lined baking sheet.  When all of the dough has been rolled into balls, place into the freezer for 30 minutes.

Place peanut butter chips into a bowl and melt in microwave.  Use 30 second increments until all melted.  If your mixture is slightly thick, add a few drops of vegetable oil to loosen it up and make it perfect for dipping.

Using a fork to help you, dip the peanut butter balls one at a time, use a fork to lift out of the melted peanut butter and tap on the edge or let it drain.  Place back on to the baking sheet.  When all of the peanut butter balls have been dipped, place back in the fridge until set.

ENJOY!

Cinnamon S'more Krispies

Who doesn't love the darn things?  S'mores that is, melty chocolate, sticky marshmallow, and cinnamon cereal?  Hold up.  HOLD up.  Right? 

Cinnamon Toast Crunch is without a doubt my favorite cold cereal.  I don't treat myself often but when I do, don't plan on getting a single solitary crunchy, cinnamon-ee, square of goodness, because they are mine, ALL mine.  We clear?  I have been on this cinnamon and chocolate combo kick lately.  You know, the same way some people think lemon makes everything amazing? Blech.  Or the way some people think nutmeg in white sauce makes it amazing? Double blech.  That is the way I like it.  In your head you are likely thinking, "screw her, cinnamon and chocolate SUCKS".  We are all entitled to our own opinions. As my dad used to say...  Well I am sure you know how the saying goes!

One of my other favorite worldly things is rice crispy treats.  Dear Lord in heaven, what I won't do to get one if I get the urge.  I fear for my own safety.  I definitely fear for the safety of anyone trying to slow my efforts.

So,  I just thought, heck, lets combine it.  Rice crispy treats made out of cinnamon toast crunch AND add chocolate.  Forgetaboutit.

This is very likely not the last rice crispy type of treat you will see here.  I am on a mission to make as many different kinds as possible.  I literally just had another idea.  Be right back need to get it written down.  I almost died when I took a bite of these.  Yes, I took a lot of bites ok, but we aren't TALKING about that. 

Please stop looking at me like that. 

These are easy and just a little change from the beautiful classic we know as rice crispy treats.  Get ready folks, I am about to bring you Cinnamon S'more Krispies!

You will need an 9x9 or 8x8 square pan or the equivalent, of some sort. (statements like this is why I will never be a cookbook writer or real chef)  It's ok, I like "Wannabe" status.  It makes sure people don't expect duck confit, with a raspberry reduction, topped with lightly steamed leaves from the rainforest and garnished with monkey toenails and stuff. 

1/2 cup butter
10 oz. bag of jumbo marshmallows
5-6 cups cinnamon toast crunch cereal or the generic version works perfect as well
1 tsp. vanilla extract
12 oz. package of milk chocolate chips

In a large pot get that butter melted, and toss in those marshmallows.  Stir constantly because let's be real, the ish burns in like 2 seconds if you don't.  And don't even try that whole "OMG I am going to stick my finger in and taste it".  See what happens. 

Anyway when it is all melted, add the vanilla, and then mix in the squares of cinnamon gold.  I go light, closer to the 5 cup side, but I don't dig dry treats, if you want to add closer to 6 you will still be fine.  Press down with a buttered rubber spatula or, butter hands.  As you can see in my photo, I still never get them even side to side, always a thicker spot.  Now, melt your chocolate, 15 seconds at a time in the microwave, until melted and spread on the top.  You can also just sprinkle your chips on top, pop in the micro for 20-30 seconds and they will be melted enough to spread.  Let sit at room temp until the chocolate is set.  You can speed this up by putting them in the fridge for an hour and then take them out and let them sit at room temp or you will need to see a dentist.  Fair warning.

Hope you love them, as much as I do!  In fact comment below and tell me how you feel about cinnamon and chocolate together!

ENJOY!

Cornflake Candy

I am certain I have eaten this before.  In fact, I KNOW that I have. I can remember these being tinted green and made into wreaths at Christmas. I recall being the first to dive into them when I would see them. I know, not surprising. However, once I tried one of these, I think I had it all wrong. I think what I was diving for was simply a rice crispy treat made with cornflakes and tinted green. How could I have been so misled all these years?  How could WE have been so misled?  Complete deception.

This is dubbed a "southern treat' just about everywhere you look.  I think anything involving peanut butter is a treat period.  Southern, northern, eastern......yes, even western! HA!  My recipe research turned up many variations.  I wanted a little crunch, a LOT of chew, and that sweet peanut butter taste.  I got it.  I am glad I did, and to be honest, it wasn't really difficult.

These are so good and so EASY.  I mean seriously, so few ingredients, and likely all things you already have on hand!  I did them individually, but you are more than welcome to butter up a pan and make them bar style as well.  It just seemed more traditional to me to do them as individually and spoon them out.  These are perfect for holidays, or just if you need a quick treat!

Now in case anywhere in the last 3 paragraphs you got the impression these were healthy, I will correct you now.  BEFORE you read the ingredients, just sit down and find your center........it will be OK. 

Here is what you will need:
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1 heaping cup peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla
5-6 cups Cornflakes

In a large saucepan combine corn syrup and sugar. Heat on low until sugar has dissolved and mixture begins to boil.  Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes while boiling.  Remove from heat and add in peanut butter and vanilla.  Stir until completely combined.  Add in cornflakes, one cup at a time.  You can decide what consistency you like, or when you have enough.  Make sure to measure them out in advance as the mixture cools quickly!!

Drop by spoon full. on a parchment lined baking sheet or butter a 9x13 pan and spread them out.  Let cool in the fridge for at least 1 hour before cutting or serving!

See how easy they are?!  They will be a hit!

 

Your "peanut butter addict" Chefwannabe

 

More "Picky's" for us non-bakers! Sweet Chex Mix!

Well, we all know its crunch time.  The baking, the shopping, the wrapping and preparing is in overdrive!  I am not sure how it happened but all my shopping is done and shipped and wrapped!  Amen for small miracles.  

 

I don't think there is a person alive who hasn't had the traditional Chex mix snack, right?  Well somehow I have never known there was a sugary, sweet version as well.  It is so easy and simple for us baking challenged cooks!  It is done in 15 minutes, and you can mix it with some Christmas candy or red and green M&M's!  Maybe some licorice bits?  

 

You can use any Chex cereal you want for this.  In fact, I have some Cheerios, and Honeycombs I am going to do this same thing with.  I don't see any reason you can't use almost any cereal of your choice with this one.  I also feel like you could choose to add any kind of nut you wanted.  

Here we go!!  Don't blink or you will miss it, it is THAT easy!

Sweet Chex Mix Snack

8 cups any Chex mix cereal

1 cup pecan pieces

1 cup butter

1 cup packed brown sugar

 

Preheat oven to 325 degrees, and pour Chex mix and pecans into large roasting pan.  In saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together.  Pour melted mixture over cereal mix and stir.  Bake for 8 minutes and then stir again. Bake 8 more minutes, remove from oven and stir one more time.  Let cool.   Store in Ziploc bags or airtight container until ready to use.  

 

This is so delicious.  I might consider adding a little cinnamon next time as well!  Change up the cereal mix or nuts, however you choose!

I love "picky's"!!

Your "picky lovin' chefwannabe"

Chris