Foodie Friday: Crispy Brown Rice

As this past week was my turn to make dessert for our weekly dinner group, I went on my usual quest for something sweet that the kiddos would enjoy but with a health-nut edge to it. I usually include a lot of whole grains - oats or whole wheat flour - coconut sugar or honey instead of cane sugar and often peanut butter is included because... well... it's delicious. 

Peanut Butter Crispy Brown Rice Bars
courtesy of 86lemons

• 3 C organic Erewhon crispy brown rice cereal
• 1/2 C organic, fresh-ground peanut butter (no salt added)
• 1/2 C local honey
• 2 tsp organic vanilla
• 1/4 tsp Himalayan pink salt
• Organic dark chocolate bar
• Melt PB, honey, vanilla, and salt on stovetop until creamy and combined
• Stir PB mixture into cereal
• Press into parchment-lined 8x8 glass baking dish and let sit until cool
• Once bars are cool, melt chocolate and spread over the top; let cool/harden in fridge

The bars were tasty and I'm looking forward to making them again. I had leftover cereal so, for dinner last night, I made baked crispy chicken but subbed the crispy brown rice cereal for the bread crumbs. Big hit all around! This cereal will be making a regular appearance on my shopping list from now on, whether it's for breakfast, dinner, or dessert!

Life's a peach...

I just love this picture. A perfect peach, accompanied by some organic dates dusted with oat flour. The girls would eat this for an afternoon snack any day. And why wouldn't they? 

Last night at dinner, Uncle endured umpteen rounds of Elise's rendition of "Happy Birthday", which included "happy birthday to you, rice and beans" and "happy birthday to you, salad". I fear the girls got my love of singing, accompanied by my total lack of ability. Abby counted to 12, flawlessly. Then when Gran suggested a different song, Abby informed her that it was "no good song". Translation from baby caveman talk to English: "Not a good song".  Life certainly is a peach. A peach followed by s'mores for dessert. Perfection.