Cheerio Dream Bars

You know when you go through different phases, and there's that ONE thing that you're constantly craving and eating? For me, it's been Cheerios for about 2 weeks now. Well, cereal, in general, but Cheerios are a definite favourite in my pantry right now. What's not to love about these sweet nutty O's? Even the name alone makes me feel cheery eating them. I have so many Cheerio recipes bookmarked on my computer right now; Cheerio Oat Cookies, Cheerio fruit smoothies, Cheerio granola bars...this one is a twist on the classic "Rice Krispie Squares" but I decided to name it Cheerio Dream Bars, kind of after the "Rice Krispie Squares" from Starbucks. Also, I've adapted this recipe so I could use some Peanut Butter (another all-time favourite thing). Cheerios and Peanut butter for on-the-go?! I must be dreaming!

These sweet and sticky bars are awesome with a cup of coffee or tea, or as a snack in the day. With just 80 calories per bar, there's no guilt! (Unless in my case, where you eat five by 'accident', then you've made a boo-boo)

Cheerio Dream Bars Makes 24 bars

• 3 tbsp Becel's 64% Less Fat Margarine (or margarine)
• 2 tbsp smooth peanut butter
• 6 cups miniature marshmallows
• 6 cups Cheerios

Melt margarine and peanut butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add marshmallows and melt together with butter, stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in Cheerios. Press into a 13"x9" pan (greased lightly or lined with parchment paper) and press down with a potato masher or bottom of a heavy glass (it helps if you spray the bottom with some cooking spray to prevent sticking). Cool for 15 minutes and cut into squares.

Notes: I used Honey Nut Cheerios which results in a much sweeter bar. The original recipe calls for the regular yellow box Cheerios. You can even use multi-grain, Banana Oat, or their new Chocolate Cheerios for a Chocolate peanut butter version! Yum!

You can omit peanut butter to make regular Cheerio Marshmallow bars, just decrease the Cheerios to 5 cups!