Cheerios Chocolate Marshmallow Bars

Ingredients:
5 cups Cheerios dry cereal
4 cups marshmallows*
1 tablespoon butter
3 oz semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:
Grease or spray a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large pot, melt butter and marshmallows together, stirring** near continuously. When the marshmallows are almost totally melted, add the chips. Stir once or twice, then stir in the cereal, one cup at a time. Once thoroughly mixed, pour into the prepared pan and flatten slightly with the back of a spatula or spoon. Allow to cool, then cut into bars.




*mini marshmallows melt faster, but the big ones work just as well.
**spray a spatula or spoon with cooking spray to avoid a sticky mess.

My thoughts:

These are a good alternative to Rice Krispy Treats. Slightly hardier, but just as good. And if the Cheerios ads are to be believed, heart-healthy. The tiny bit of chocolate adds a bit of flavor, but could be easily left out if you are a cereal bar purist.