S’mores Bars

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cereal-bars-smores-marshmallow

It’s Memorial day and it’s snowing here in Utah. I don’t even know what to say. I’m over bitching about the cold weather so instead I’m turning to denial. Let’s pretend it’s summer! To kick off what should be the start of summer, I’m sharing a take on one of my favorite summer treats, s’mores, that can be enjoyed year round and don’t require the open fire! These cereal treats are like my youth wrapped up in a no bake dessert. The bars are a riff on two of my fondest childhood memories: camping and sugar coated cereal.

Camping was something we did often as a family. I loved every part of it. Sleeping outside, getting dirty, cooking our food (and s’mores for dessert!) over the open fire, and sharing a tent with my two brothers. OK- maybe not the last one but we did have a lot of fun! And for the sugar coated cereal, well I didn’t get it as a kid. I know, I know. It’s practically child abuse. But I would get it when I went to my grandma’s house- she would sneak it to my brothers and I in true grandma fashion so it wasn’t like I deprived my entire childhood!

Things haven’t changed much now that I’m adult. I don’t buy the sugary stuff. Unless I’m pregnant. Then, you would find 4-6 boxes in my pantry at all times. It was my snack meal of choice at 2a in the morning. I don’t really let my kids eat it either. It’s a treat we (try!) to save for traveling. We are on the road a lot with the Mr.’s job so we spend more than our fair share of time at the hotel breakfast buffet always stocked with fruit loops and frosted flakes. My mom was right. It’s not a balanced breakfast and sticks with you all over 15 minutes. Hardly a breakfast of champions.

But cereal in dessert? That’s a different story. We’re already using sugar so why not go for broke? One of the best parts of camping for me is the food. (It’s always about the food!) I love cooking on a camping stove or better yet the open fire. I love sitting around that open fire, under the stars, and enjoying whatever it is we just prepared. Nothing beats the outdoor kitchen and dining room. Nothing. And what’s camping without s’mores? So in spirit of the impending camping season, here’s my indoor version of s’mores. With this crazy weather we’re having here in Utah, I don’t know if we’ll be camping anytime soon.

I-want-more-smores-bars-two

My kids loved these. Notice the chubby fingers in the picture above! I will admit they aren’t for the faint hearted. Cut them small and enjoy them with a cup of tea sitting out on your front or back porch. It’s what we did and the next best thing to camping!

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S’mores Bars

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Description

An indoor version of s’mores made into cookie bar form. Golden Grahams cereal, marshmallows and chocolate chips make these a kid friendly treat year round!

Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • 5 1/2 cups marshmallows, divided
  • 4 cups Golden Grahams cereal
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. In a large non-stick stock pot, over medium-low heat, melt the butter and 4 1/2 cups of the marshmallows, stirring until melted.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  3. Add golden grahams and toss to coat.
  4. At the last minute, add the other 1 cup of marshmallows and the chocolate chips. Incorporate as quickly as you can so the chocolate chips and marshmallows don’t melt.
  5. Transfer cereal mixture to a 9-inch or similar baking dish. Press mixture into pan and let cool.
  6. Cut and serve.