Hand-Written Recipes

Have I mentioned that it's cold here? (I know you've been wondering)

Unfortunately these little bites of deliciousness won't warm you up, but you should still stop whatever you're doing and make.them.right.now. I'm serious.

This is a page out of the archives (though don't bother go looking for an archive, it's just an expression), and I consider it a serious stroke of luck to have recently stumbled upon the old recipe. These Peanut Butter and Chocolate Crispy Bars were a tasty treat that I grew up enjoying - and I think may have been one of the first things I made when I decided that baking for others and/or giving away the baked goods would forever define my life. And now that I've set your expectations (read: these are easily made - give me a break, I was only in 5th grade)... how can you make these your very own?

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Crispy Bars
yield: depends on how big you cut them, makes one cookie sheet

1 c sugar
1 c light corn syrup
1 c smooth peanut butter (make sure you get non-recalled PB!)
6 cups rice krispies (of course I used a generic brand)
12 oz (or more) chocolate chips

Prepare your cookie sheet (with a lip) by a hearty coating of cooking spray or good ole' fashioned Crisco.

In a heavy saucepan, bring to a boil the sugar and light corn syrup. Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter. Add all of the rice cereal and mix carefully, ensuring that it is completely coated. Pour the mixture into the cookie sheet and using the back of a rubber spatula, press evenly into the pan.

Over hot but not boiling water, melt the chocolate chips. Immediately pour the melted chocolate over the bars and spread to cover completely. Chill for about an hour (if you can wait that long) and then enjoy.

So far, these have about a 200% approval rating (though few people dare to get in between Chris and me and these bars). I'm sure it's been said before but this absolutely proves to me that there truly is delight in simplicity.