By Josianne Cadieux, Sargent Choice Nutrition Center Dietetic Intern

SC Peanut Butter Flax Seed Rice Krispie Treats

This week at Karen Jacob’s final Sargent Choice Test Kitchen of the semester, we made SC’s Peanut Butter Flax Seed Rice Krispie Treats. This recipe is a healthier alternative to the traditional rice Krispy treat recipe, which tastes just as great, if not better!  The SC recipe uses gluten-free brown rice cereal rather than white rice cereal. Instead of using butter and marshmallows, it substitutes honey and protein packed peanut butter.  It also includes ground flax seed which provides both fiber and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

This recipe requires only 4 ingredients and has a quick prep time, making it a great recipe to try with friends if you need a study break. The other great thing about this recipe is that because it’s high in protein and fiber, you will only need one square to feel full and satisfied.

How we made the Peanut Butter Flax Seed Rice Krispie Treats:

First, we mixed the brown rice cereal and ground flax seed in a large bowl.

Next, we placed the honey and peanut butter in a small saucepan and stirred continuously while the mixture was warmed on low heat. Since the peanut butter naturally contains oil, there was no need to use additional oil or cooking spray in the pan to prevent sticking.

Once the honey and peanut butter was warmed and completely combined, we added it to the cereal mixture and used a wooden spoon to combine the ingredients.

Then, we had someone volunteer to wet their hands (to reduce sticking) and press the mixture into a 9 x 13 pan. To allow the batter to cool and harden, the pan was placed in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This provided an opportunity for the group to relax, socialize and eagerly await this week’s test kitchen recipe. Then finally, it was cut into 24 squares and served.

The Peanut Butter Flax Seed Rice Krispie Treats had a sweet and nutty flavor, with the sticky consistency you expect from regular rice Krispie treats.

Sargent Choice Crispy Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Yield: 2 dozen servings

Ingredients
6 cups crispy brown rice cereal (e.g. Kellogg’s Gluten-Free)
1 cup ground flax seeds
1 cup peanut butter*
1 cup honey

*Tip: when buying peanut butter look at the ingredient list and avoid any brands that include added oils (e.g palm oil, hydrogenated oil), fillers, or added sugars. If you are looking for a healthy peanut butter look for one whose ingredient list contains ONLY peanuts. If you don’t like the taste of unsalted peanut butter, a small amount of added salt is acceptable as well.

Directions

1. Mix together brown rice cereal and ground flax seeds in a large bowl.
2. Warm honey in small saucepan. Add peanut butter and stir well.
3. Pour over cereal mixture and mix with wooden spoon to combine.
4. Using slightly damp hands, press into 9 x 13 pan.
5. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
6. Cut into 24 squares.

Enjoy!