Everybody loves Rice Krispies Treats; they were first developed at the Kellogg Company Home Economics Department in 1939, and since then the variations have been endless. You can even purchase them in grocery stores, although the store-bought version isn’t very good compared to homemade, gooey bars. These Almond Cherry Crunch Bars are an easy variation, and are made in the microwave; it takes only about 20 minutes to get them mixed up, and they set up quickly; they won’t last long – they are delicious.

Two kinds of chocolate are added to these yummy no-bake bars, and they keep well in an airtight container. Toasting the almonds brings out their flavor, and it’s easy to do: simply place them on a baking sheet and bake about 10 minutes or until they start to lightly brown. The almond flavor complements the cherries.

32 Squares

1/2 cup butter
1 10 oz. package marshmallows
1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon almond extract, (optional)

4 1/2 cups Special K cereal
1 cup toasted slivered almonds
1 cup dried cherries

1. Spray a 9" x 13" shallow baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Spray a large microwave-safe bowl with nonstick spray.
3. Place the butter in the bowl; microwave 30-45 seconds or until the butter is melted.
4. Place the marshmallows on top of the butter, sift the baking cocoa over the marshmallows, and sprinkle the chocolate chips over the cocoa.
5. Microwave 2 minutes; remove from the microwave and stir until the marshmallows are melted and the mixture is smooth; stir in the extract if using. If necessary microwave an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute if the marshmallows aren't melted.
6. Meanwhile mix the cereal, almonds, and cherries in a separate bowl.
7. Add the mixture to the chocolate mixture and stir until totally mixed.
8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press until evenly smoothed out.
9. Let the mixture set before cutting into 32 squares.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 135 Calories from Fat 58
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 43% Protein 7% Carb. 50%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 6 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Cholesterol 8 mg
Sodium 80 mg
Total Carbohydrate 17 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 2 g

Vitamin A 6% Vitamin C 4% Calcium 0% Iron 7%