Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Rice Crispy Squares

I think deep inside we are all kids, big or little.  For some, it isn’t so deep!  And there are certain dishes that bring out the kid in all of us.

Whether it’s Sloppy Joes, ice cream cones, anything with sprinkles, or even good ole chicken fingers, we can’t say no to the treats and meals that brought us joy as children.  I contend that the Rice Crispy (or am I allowed to write Krispy?) Square is just such a treat.  A good gooey treat, I will still happily reach for one, despite being…XX years old!!

There are a few tips in making a successful batch.  One of them is plenty of grease.  By this I mean, I spray the pot, the silicone spatula or spoon, and my hands when I’m patting the ‘batter’ into the paper lined baking pan.  Another one: Don’t squish the mixture too firmly in.  An over-packed baking panful will result in a dense, tough square.  Very hard on the jaws!  So go gently when pushing everything down.  

The recipe I’m sharing today has a couple of additions which we already know work wonderfully together: peanut butter and chocolate! Of course, if there is a peanut allergy, substitute any nut butter that is safe for your family, or even tahini.  I’ve use hazelnut butter, sunflower seed butter, and tahini with fantastic results.  When it comes to the chocolate chips, I go mini.  Seeing all the little freckles of chocolate makes these even more endearing.  

It’s such an easy recipe, that getting the kids to come in and help is a given.  Between the gentle stirring of the marshmallows, or the pressing down into the pan, or even the sprinkling of the final amount of chocolate chips on top are all jobs perfect for kids of all ages.  Which again, we’ve decided that we are.  Kids, that is.

Hope you find this recipe a fun one.  If you have a few in your family, these won’t last.  If however, your home is like mine, with only one or two in it, feel free to make the batch and share. Such a tasty way to say hi to your neighbours.  Even if it is with a care package and note left on the doorstep.  As I am writing this, we are in the throes of the Covid-19 virus, and everyone is being admonished to social distance.  These means absolutely no close contact with anyone.  Everyone is doing their part to ensure that the virus gets contained. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t think of our friends and neighbours, whether using Social Media technology, or with the phone.  And for us personally, it means dropping off groceries and meals to Jim’s parents, leaving the goods by the front door, and a phone call to let them know it’s there!  Take care, wherever you call home.

Love Jen