Crunchy Chocolate Peanut Stix Recipes

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CRISPY BARS

Steps:

• Line an 8-inch square baking dish with a strip of parchment paper, cut to fit neatly across the base and up opposite sides. In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown rice crisps and 1 cup of the chopped pecans (reserve the rest for sprinkling on top). Set both aside.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter and honey. Warm the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring often, until it's steaming or you catch a bubble or two forming on the bottom, about 5 minutes. (We don't want this mixture to come to a boil or the peanut butter could scorch.)
• Pour the warm mixture into the bowl of rice crisps. Using a rubber or silicone spatula, stir until the mixture is completely combined. Transfer it all to the lined baking dish. Press down with the spatula to spread it fairly evenly, then switch to a large, sturdy glass with a flat bottom (maybe a working jar or mason jar or what-have-you) and press down firmly all over, including the corners. You really want to pack it down (it's ok if you hear some crunching noises). Lastly, use your hands to ensure that it's evenly compacted.
• Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring after each one. Don't overdo it. The chocolate is done when it's about 90% melted-keep stirring off the heat and the pieces should completely dissolve. (Alternately, you can use melt it in a heat-proof bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water.)
• Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter-crispy mixture. Use a clean spatula to spread it evenly all over. Make some pretty chocolate swooshes if you'd like. Sprinkle the remaining pecans on top, followed by the salt.
• Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or up to a day. To slice, carefully grab both sides of the parchment paper and lift it out of the baking dish. Use a sharp chef's knife to make 4 even columns and 4 even rows-to minimize the risk of cracking the chocolate, carefully apply even pressure from above the knife to press straight down, rather than sawing from one edge across.
• These bars will keep well at room temperature for up to 1 week, or for several months in the freezer. Store in an air-tight container either way.

CRUNCHY CHOCOLATE PEANUT STIX

Steps:

• *Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with nonstick foil, leaving a few extra inches on each end. *Line bottom with about 25 rectangular buttery crackers. *In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup milk, 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Bring to a simmer and gradully stir in 2 cups finely crushed honey graham crackers. Simmer, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes. *Pour one cup of the mixture over crackers and spread evenly. *Place another layer of crackers in pan and spread remaining cup of sugar mixture over crackers. *Top with another layer of the crackers *Place 1 1/4 cups milk chocolate chops and 1 cup peanut butter chips in a medium bowl over a small amount of simmering water in a medium saucepan over low heat. *Stir until smooth. *Spread evenly over top layer of crackers. *Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set. *Carefully lift out and pan and place on a cutting board. *Cut into 1 x 4-inch bars with serrated knife.

CRUNCHY MONKEY PEANUT BUTTER-BANANA STICKS

Steps:

• Heat the peanut butter in the microwave on high for 20 seconds to loosen it, then stir honey into it. Place the granola into a food processor and lightly process to crush up the granola, nuts, and raisins. Peel and cut each banana in half across the middle. Insert a popsicle or chop stick into the cut end of each half-banana. Spread 1 side of each banana stick with 1/4 of the peanut sauce then coat liberally with spoonfuls of granola, gently pressing it into the peanut butter. Eat the bananas right off the sticks, but serve on a plate to catch the crumbs.

CRUNCHY CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER SNACK BITES

Steps:

• Mix together all ingredients in a medium bowl until blended. Refrigerate for 20 to 30 min.
• Roll into 20 (1-inch) balls, using about 2 Tbsp. for each.

CRISP PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

Steps:

• In a bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add peanut butter, egg and vanilla; beat until smooth. Combine the flour, baking soda and baking powder; add to creamed mixture and mix well. For easier shaping, chill the dough for 1 hour. Shape into 1-in. balls; place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten each ball by crisscrossing with the tines of a fork dipped in sugar. Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned and cookies are set.

NUTS-ABOUT-YOU COOKIE STICKS

Steps:

• In a microwave, melt the chocolate chips, shortening and peanut butter; stir until smooth. Dip one end of each cookie into chocolate mixture; allow excess to drip off. Sprinkle with nuts. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set.