On a sweeter note

photos by me

When it comes to desserts, I have to admit that my creative juices tend to run dry. Don't get me wrong, I can follow a recipe like nobody's business, but don't expect any original winners from this birdie. I'd been wanting to try this lovely little dessert ever since I got Alicia's Silverstone's book The Kind Diet- I know I know, a celebrity cookbook, please don't judge- and boy am I glad I did! With under 5 ingredients, these crispy peanut butter treats are incredibly easy and don't even require any baking. And let's face it people, when peanut butter is involved don't we all eschew any sense of self control? Or is that just me? Hmmm, well anyhow here is the recipe for Alicia's delicious dessert (more from her here)- I tweaked it slightly by increasing the amount of peanut butter (go figure) and by opting to dust half the final product with icing sugar and half with cocoa powder. Delightful to look at and even more delightful to share with the sweeties in your life!

Crispy peanut butter treats with chocolate chips
Makes about 25 squares

1 box brown rice crisps cereal
1 3/4 cups brown rice syrup (available at specialty stores like my personal fav The Big Carrot)
A generous pinch of sea salt
1 cup all natural peanut butter (I chose chunky, but smooth works too)
1/2 cup nondairy chocolate chips
Icing sugar and cocoa powder for dusting

Pour the entire box of rice crisps into a (very) large bowl (I wound up having to use two). Heat the syrup with the salt in a small saucepan until liquefied. Add the peanut butter and stir to combine. Pour mixture onto rice crisps and mix well. Once completely cool, stir in the chocolate chips. Spread mixture evenly into baking dish (again, I needed two) with a slightly wet wooden spoon. Let cool for one hour. Dust with sugar or cocoa, cut into squares and enjoy!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

Hungry Birdie xo