Sunbutter and Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Treats

I haven't had a chance to post anything lately.  I've been on this never-ending merry-go-round called the cold and flu, thanks to my adorable little kids.  Don't know when we're getting off this crazy ride but I thought I'd share a simple and easy treat I made recently.  It definitely put a smile on their cute sniffly faces :-)



One of the things I used to love as a kid was peanut butter and chocolate.  And I'm not talking about peanut butter cups or anything like that.  I would take a big piece of chocolate and scoop up some peanut butter straight from the jar and eat it.  Yeah, I was a weird kid back then but I grew out of it (I think).  But since my oldest son has a severe peanut allergy (as well as tree nut allergies), I've had to stay far, far away from anything containing peanuts.



When I discovered sunflower seed spread, I couldn't tell you how happy I was.  It was like finding a hidden treasure or something.  And I'm pretty sure I heard a choir of angels sing when I picked up that first jar and placed it in my shopping cart.  Yup.  It was kind of a big deal to me.  Sunflower seed spread has a nutty and creamy quality to it much like peanut butter.  True, it doesn't taste exactly like peanut butter but it's pretty close considering the other options I've tried. You can usually find it in the grocery store right next to the peanut butter and jelly.  I actually found Sunbutter at my local Target store.



I decided to put a little twist on our family favorite last week. I made a batch of rice krispie treats and mixed in a little bit of Sunbutter into the melted marshmallows before adding the rice krispies.  Then I spread some more Sunbutter over the rice krispie treats and sprinkled some chocolate chips on top.  I used EnjoyLife mini chocolate chips because they're allergen-free.

These were amazing! The combination of Sunbutter and chocolate chips went so well with the rice krispie treats. My kids just gobbled them up and so did I. Maybe I'll add some dried cranberries to it for Thanksgiving next week :-) 

Sunbutter and Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Treats
Makes about 12 servings

2 Tbs. Spectrum organic shortening 
2 Tbs. Sunbutter sunflower seed spread
1 package (10 oz., about 40)  regular marshmallows or 4 cups  miniature marshmallows 
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

topping:
Sunbutter sunflower seed spread
EnjoyLife mini chocolate chips 

In large saucepan melt shortening over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Add Sunbutter and Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until well coated. Using greased spatula or wax paper, press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with shortening. Spread a even layer of Sunbutter on top of the Rice Krispie Treats. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips. Allow to cool then cut into 12 squares.

Microwave directions:
In microwave-safe bowl heat shortening and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Follow the directions above. Microwave cooking times may vary.

Please note: I am not a paid endorser nor did I accept any freebies of the brands or products mentioned in this post.  I just love them and wanted to share them with you :-)