CPB Crunch Bars

Today was "back to school" here in my suburb. Parents either rejoice or panic. Or maybe a bit of both. If you still have a little one at home while the big siblings are off to school or you have kids who like to help in the kitchen I have a recipe for you. I pulled it out of a magazine about 3 years ago and the girls love to help me make it.

Just a warning: it's kind of messy. But that just makes it more fun!

Ingredients:
1 T butter
3 c mini marshmallows
1/2 c peanut butter
4 c Honey Bunches of Oats (or other flake cereal)
4 1-oz squares semi sweet chocolate

Equipment to make the job easier:
8" square pan
cooking spray
large microwavable bowl
pot holders
measuring cups (1 cup and 1/2 cup sizes)
small glass measuring cup
measuring spoon (1 T size)
rubber spatulas or scrapers

Here we go:
Spray bottom and sides of pan with cooking spray.

Put butter and marshmallows in microwaveable bowl.

Microwave on high 45 seconds. The bowl will be hot! Use pot holders! Stir with spatula. Microwave 30 seconds (or until marshmallows are melted).

Measure 1/2 c peanut butter. From that remove 2 T peanut butter and set aside. Stir remaining peanut butter into marshmallows. Add cereal. Stir until well coated.

Spray fingers with cooking spray and press mixture into pan.

Place chocolate squares and 2 T peanut butter in glass measuring cup. Microwave 30-45 seconds until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is smooth when stirred.

Pour chocolate over treats; spread with spatula.

Refrigerate 15 minutes.

Cut into 16 squares and enjoy!