RED, WHITE AND BLUE RICE KRISPIES TREATS

Red, White and Blue Rice Krispies Treats image

Instead of the typical melted marshmallows, this clever recipe calls for melted vanilla chips. With crisp rice cereal, peanut butter and nuts, these bars taste almost like candy.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 10m

Yield 1-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 packages (10 to 12 ounces each) vanilla or white chips
1 cup peanut butter
7 cups crisp rice cereal
1 cup salted peanuts
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons water
4-1/2 teaspoons meringue powder
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Red and blue food coloring
Red, blue and white sprinkles

Steps:

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the vanilla chips and peanut butter. Microwave, uncovered, at 50% power for 1-1/2 to 3-1/2 minutes or until melted; stir until smooth. Stir in cereal and peanuts. Press into a greased 13x9-in. pan. Let stand at room temperature until firm, about 30 minutes. , Divide the pan of bars in half. On one half, cut out stars using a greased 2-1/2-in. star-shaped cookie cutter. Cut remaining half into 3-1/4x1-1/4-in. bars for stripes., In a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, water, meringue powder and cream of tartar; beat on low speed just until combined. Beat on high for 4-5 minutes or until stiff peaks form. Divide frosting among three bowls. Tint one red and one blue and leave remaining frosting white. Decorate cutouts with frosting and sprinkles.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 155 calories, Fat 8g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 111mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.