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+ servings

Brown Rice Crispy Bars

Puffed brown rice and dried fruit add a nutritious boost to this healthy hack of classic Rice Krispies treats.
White puffed rice is a popular ingredient for health bar manufacturers, not because it's that healthy but because it takes up a lot of space, thus bulking the bar while cutting calories.
Of course, when I bite into anything chewy containing puffed rice, I want it to look, feel, and taste like a Rice Krispies treat. I am, after all, only American and human. But with a little tinkering, we can make it better... better for you, that is.
Note: Each delicious rice delight has just over 93 calories, 15 grams of carbohydrates, 1.16 grams of protein, 3.72 grams of fat, 1.01 grams of fiber, and only 4.31 milligrams of sodium, and it tastes good, too! It's like an entire grocery store in a bar.
This recipe first appeared in Season 9 of Good Eats.
Photo by Lynne Calamia
ACTIVE TIME: 9 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 (2-inch) bars

Software

  • 3 tablespoons flax seed oil, plus extra for the pan
  • 6 cups puffed brown rice
  • 1 tablespoon orange blossom honey
  • 4 cups mini marshmallows
  • 3/4 cup toasted slivered almonds
  • 1/3 cup coarsely chopped dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup coarsely chopped dried cherries
  • 1/3 cup dried blueberries

Procedure

  • Heat oven to 425ºF. Lightly coat the inside of a 13-by-9-by 2-inch metal pan with flax seed oil and set aside.
  • Spread the brown puffed rice evenly on a half sheet pan. Toast in the oven for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • While the rice is toasting, prepare the marshmallow mixture: Place the oil, honey, and marshmallows in a large mixing bowl set over a pot of gently simmering water. Stir until the marshmallows are melted, 4 to 5 minutes. Once the marshmallows are melted, quickly add the toasted brown rice, almonds, and fruit, and stir to combine. Coat your hands or a spatula with oil and spread the mixture evenly into the pan. Once the mixture has cooled completely, cut into squares and store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.