Quick & Easy Gourmet: Chunky Cereal Bar

These bars are great for trail snacks and also for a quick cabin breakfast on the run. Feel free to substitute different cereals, nuts and dried fruit for variety, such as chopped dried apricots, apples or mango, and pecans or slivered almonds.

5   cups oat cereal with honey (like Honey-nut Cheerios)

1 ½   cups whole-wheat flake cereal

½      cup quick oats

½  cup dried tart cherries, coarsely chopped

½      cup raisins

½      cup chopped dates

½      cup chopped walnuts

2       tablespoons butter

1   10-ounce bag marshmallows, regular or mini

½      cup creamy peanut butter

¼      cup honey

1       teaspoon ground cinnamon

?   Spray bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
?   Combine the first seven ingredients in a medium bowl. Set aside.
?   Microwave butter in a large microwave-safe bowl on high for 45 seconds or until almost melted.
?   Add marshmallows and microwave 1 minute or until puffy.
?   Add peanut butter and honey and stir.
?   Microwave on high for 30 seconds or just until softened.
?   Add cinnamon and stir until completely combined and smooth.
?   Immediately add cereal mixture to the marshmallow mixture and stir to combine.
?  Press mixture in prepared 9x13 pan with a buttered rubber spatula. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
?  Cut six rows by four rows to make 24 bars. Store bars loosely covered at room temperature.