Who doesn’t want to eat healthier? So we were intrigued when Attune Foods offered to send their natural cereals with natural sweeteners. Attune sent three cereals: Raisin Bran, Rice Twice and Gluten Free Brown Rice. But really…who am I to judge the cereals? I offered moms in my weekly playgroup to try each cereal and write down a few quick thoughts. While the raisin bran and brown rice were the least favorites, all of the moms enjoyed the Rice Twice for its complex, sweet flavors.
What to do with the leftovers? With the Crispy Brown Rice Gluten-Free cereal, I decided to make some cereal bars. But I wanted to keep it healthy, so that ruled out marshmallows. Besides, I don’t keep marshmallows in the pantry, so why go out and buy an extra ingredient I don’t really need for a less-than-healthy recipe?
On my internet search for a non-marshmallow puffed rice treat, I found a recipe from Ellie Krieger. Her recipes can be hit-or-miss, but I figured it was worth a go. I modified it a bit, too. Since I wasn’t using marshmallows, I figured it was OK – called for, even – to add some chocolate!
Erewhon Puffed Rice Bars
Makes 8×8” pan
½ cup honey
½ cup peanut butter
5 cups puffed rice cereal
¾ cup chocolate chips
Melt honey and peanut butter in a pan on medium-low heat. When melted together, remove from heat and incorporate puffed rice cereal. Add chocolate chips and spread into pan.
You can find Erewhon cereals at Whole Foods and other markets. Have you tried them? Do you have a favorite rice treat recipe?
Good idea! I don’t generally make rice krispie treats because of the marshmallow, so this sounds like a good alternative.