Blizzard Bars

These bars were a really nice surprise. I was prepared not to like them, because they contained both chocolate AND peanut butter, and we all know that I like those two delicacies to stay apart from each other in my world. But. But. But. But. There is just something lovely about these bars. They are surprisingly airy. You expect to bite into a bar that is rice krispy bar-like in denseness, and instead you bite into a fluffy little cloud that contains delicate little crunch pops (yep, that's a technical term) of krispies.  These little no-bake treats might just win you over.

Blizzard Bars

-from melskitchencafe.com

• 12 ounces chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 cups rice krispies
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips or M&M's 
• Mini marshmallows and additional M&M's for garnish

Lightly grease an 8X8 or 7x11 baking dish and set aside. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips for one minute. Stir. Then continue to microwave in 30-second increments until the chips are completely melted. This takes longer than you'd like it to. Stir in the peanut butter until combined. Let the mixture cool slightly, about five minutes. Add the rice cereal, marshmallows, and chocolate chips and/or M&M's. Fold together with a rubber spatula until well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Press additional marshmallows and M&M's into the top of the bars, if desired, to make them look pretty. I desired to do this, but had no more M&Ms or marshmallows with which to bedazzle my bars.  Let the bars cool and set for 5-6 hours until they are firm. I scoffed at this time, so I stuck 'em in the fridge, and they were perfectly firm in 2 hours. Cut into bars and serve. But--fair warning: they are SUPER messy! Send your kids outside to eat them!