13. Cocoa Puffs Treats

This is a delicious treat made with Cocoa Puffs cereal, peanut butter and M&M's. It doesn't look nearly as good as it tastes. But believe me, everyone who tries them, loves them! This is actually a desert that I have to make from scratch... there is no pre-made mix for Cocoa Puffs Treats. I found this recipe in one of those recipe booklet from Betty Crocker that you find at the cash register of your super market, next to the magazines. It was in a section of the booklet titled: "From Kids with Love" and it is supposed to be a kid friendly recipe. I'm not so sure about that; It is pretty easy to make but it is quite messy. And you have to bring a mixture of corn syrup and sugar to boil, while stirring constantly. Not something I would let Christina or even one of the boys do without my help! But once the mixture has boiled, there is no more baking to be done. It takes a little bit longer to make than Rice Krispies Treats but it also tastes a lot better (or at least I think so!). So here is the recipe:

Ingredients:
-1 cup sugar
-1 cup light corn syrup
-1 1/2 cup peanut butter
-6 cups Cocoa Puffs cereal
-1 1/2 cups M&M's

1. Spay or grease the bottom and sides of 13X9 inch pan. In 2 - quart saucepan, heat sugar and corn syrup to boiling over medium - high heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter until melted.

2. In extra - large bowl, stir cereal and peanut butter mixture with wooden spoon until cereal is evenly coated. Stir in 1 cup of the M&M's.

3. Press the cereal mixture in pan. Immediately sprinkle with remaining M&M's; press lightly with fingers. Let stand about 30 minutes or until cool. Cut into bars. Makes approximately 24 bars.