Inspiration has eluded me lately.  My foodie brain that typically swarms with notions of brown butter and roast chicken has been quite unimaginative the past several days.  I wanted to leap into this year and face it head on, but I am already tired and wishing I could take some sick days from life.  Perhaps my lack of inspiration could be explained by the dreariness of these winter days, which are not exactly awe-inspiring.  

My brain was tired this past weekend, so I turned to an old combination that has never let me down. 

Once upon a time the fair and nutty Peanut Butter and the rich and decadent Chocolate fell in love.  Though each of them was entirely unique from the other, they were the perfect pair.  And it so happened that one day, they stumbled across a gathering of marshmallows and found that the three of them got along splendidly, so they built an entire kingdom out of building materials (which in their world happened to be corn flakes).  The kingdom was a fantastic success because each element complimented the others.  Then one day a very hungry young lady who was not particularly ferocious stumbled upon the kingdom and gobbled it all up because, well, it was really tasty.  The end. 

I believe I just turned a recipe into a very odd fairytale.  I’m sorry.  You’re welcome.

These bars are easy and ridiculously delicious.  They are pure, uncomplicated, salty-sweet-crunchy goodness. 

If you are planning on giving away some treats this Valentine’s Day, these bars would be a perfect offering.  Though they may be humble in appearance, a pink ribbon and cellophane will have these little bars prettied up and ready to put a smile on the face of someone you love -- that is, if you can keep them around that long!  These bars lasted exactly 1.5 days in my house. 

Chocolate, butter, and peanut butter are melted.  Marshmallows and corn flakes are coated in the holy melted triad and the whole bowl is poured into a baking pan to set. 

I am going to go work on my lack of inspiration and I look forward to sharing with you whatever comes out of this crazy brain next!

Wishing you all a splendid week!  We can do this.  

Sincerely,

   Pedantic Foodie

Peanut Butter & Chocolate Marshmallow Treats 

makes 9 treats 

• 1 cup smooth peanut butter 
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature + extra for greasing
• 2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 3 cups marshmallows 
• 4 cups corn flakes 

Grease an 8x8 baking pan with butter.  Set aside. 

In a large bowl combine peanut butter, butter, and chocolate chips.  Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted.  Add marshmallows and microwave for an additional 30 seconds. 

Fold the corn flakes into the chocolate mixture until thoroughly coated and combined.  Spread the mixture into the prepared baking sheet and place in the freezer for 20-30 minutes, until the chocolate has fully set. 

Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled bars into nine squares.  Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for several days.  Enjoy!