I loved reading your comments on yesterday’s Classic Green Monster post. Finally, I do not feel so alone.
I forgot to tell you, but earlier this week I had a Green Monster photoshoot in my very own kitchen. I was interviewed for a newspaper article a while back and they sent a photographer to do a shoot for the article. The photographer was looking for ideas on what we could do for the shoot and I suggested that I could make a Green Monster in the kitchen…
As soon as I heard myself saying the words ‘Green Monster’, I felt a bit awkward. It can be embarrassing trying to explain to a stranger what a Green Monster is and then convincing them that 1) you are not insane, and 2) You really are older than 8 years old.
But luckily the photographer was excited about the idea went along with the idea out of fear and it was quite fun! Here’s hoping there is not an awkward piece of spinach in my teeth in the photo…
Naturally, on my quest for consuming as much chocolate as humanly possible this week I made a Chocolate Peanut Butter version of these delicious chews.
These Almond Butter Chews were my first attempt…
It was love at first chew.
Not being able to share like proper adults, Eric and I fought over the last chew. We finally agreed on splitting it down the middle.
I cut, he picked.
He got the bigger half. [Insert mad PMS face]
And then Eric begged me to make a chocolate version because he is basically the male version of a PMS monster and will eat chocolate 24/7 if he could. He didn’t really have to twist my arm though…we make a good, chocolate-lovin’ team.
5 Minute Chocolate Peanut Butter Chews
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Crisp Rice cereal (I use GF Nature’s Path)
- 1/4 cup smooth all-natural peanut butter
- 3 tbsp organic brown rice syrup
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp dark chocolate chips
Directions: Line a plate with parchment paper. In a medium sized bowl, stir together the peanut butter, brown rice syrup, 2 tbsp chocolate chips, and vanilla extract. Microwave on high for 35-45 seconds. Stir well and immediately add in the 1 tsp cocoa powder. Stir until incorporated. Immediately stir in the rice crisp cereal until all rice crispies are coated.
Wet hands thoroughly and shape the mixture into ‘golf-balls’. Press mixture together firmly into balls so it will hold. Wet hands after each ball is formed so the mixture will not stick to your hands. Place the balls onto parchment paper and freeze for 5 minutes. You can keep these chews in the freezer in a sealed container. Let the chews sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before consuming. This version gets more firm in the freezer than the first version does.
Makes 7 golf-ball sized chews.
Nutritional info: (per large ball, makes 7 balls): 113 kcals, 6 grams fat, 14 grams carbs, 8 grams sugar, 2 grams protein.
The first thing you do is add the brown rice syrup, chocolate chips, vanilla, and peanut butter into a bowl. Stir very well to mix.
Now microwave this mixture for 45-70 seconds, being sure to stop the microwave every 30 seconds to stir. Be very careful not to burn.
If you burn it, you will cry.
Stir in the cocoa powder into the microwaved mixture and now stir in the rice crisp cereal.
Press firmly into balls and place on a plate or small baking sheet lined with parchment. Freeze for about 5-10 minutes.
The Chocolate PB chews harden up much more than the original Almond Butter Chews, I assume because the chocolate hardens when chilled. This version can’t really be eaten straight from the freezer, but they are perfect after sitting on the counter for about 5-10 minutes or so.
I also tried to make a carrot cake version and a banana PB version, but both did not turn out (too much moisture from carrots and banana). I think the carrots and banana would have to be dehydrated for it to stick together.
And if you are feeling really crazy…why not try making a Double Chocolate version by using some homemade Dark Chocolate Almond Butter? I’m sure that would be incredible!
Ok, I will stop now.
But seriously…make these. They rule.
Happy Friday!
wow these look oh so chewable! great job!
Sounds great!! Quick question: could you sub in anything for the brown rice syrup?? Maybe Karo?
Yum!
I love that your newspaper is going to feature Green Monsters! It’s so cool to get the word out. I’ve taught volunteer cooking classes in schools and we do green smoothies. I call it Green Slime and we get the kids going nuts over them.
I wonder if adding dry coconut to the carrot cake chews would help soak up the moisture?
I made these last week when you posted the almond butter version!! (didn’t have almond butter on hand) I bagged them up & took them to the movies instead of shelling out $$ for movie candy. They were to die for, and the boyfriend loved them too :)
Happy Friday!
These look awesome! I had my first green monster yesterday, it definitely does take a little getting used to. I am going to keep drinking it, its so good for the body, I don’t want to give up so easily.
In a moment of inspiration, I bought some brown rice syrup. Now I know that I use it for–thanks!
Chocolate and peanut butter is the best creation ever!!! Next to chocolate and coconut! Mmm!!
You crack me up with the PMS talk! My boyfriend last night was on a quest for chocolate (me, I could have gone either way). We had to make an emergency stop at Kroger to get ANYTHING containing chocolate in it. I kept joking with him while walking through the store that he was PMSing and to chill, we’ll get his chocolate fix in soon. ;)
a child-hood favorite updated and made healthy…thank you, Angela!
love,
cathy b.
omg i am drooling! those look so tasty, i want i want.
They sound delicious. Everyone in the family would love these!
Everything you make looks absolutely delicious! You really do have such a talent for cooking, baking, and glowing :)
Now I want some…thank you!! =P
Thanks so much for the Classic smoothie post yesterday…tried it and loved it. Also helped to put the ingredients into the Vitamix as you recommended. Will be trying your no bake chews this weekend.
Have a super weekend all!!
If you mentioned Green Monster (or Monstah) around where I live, they would think you were talking about the big green wall at Fenway Park. :-)
I have GOT to try those chews/balls/whatever they are called. They look like a great on-the-go snack.
Bring on the chocolate balls.
Making my mouth water! I love how all your recipes are as calorific as I expect them to be, another recipe I’ll be printing and trying out this weekend then.
Note to self :MUST make these this weekend! I am all for the sweet but not too sweet things these days!
Oh boy, these could be dangerous! They’d be gone as quickly as they were made!
Angela you read my mind with these!
I have been posting for awhile about my love love love of rice krispy treats and I made them vegan and GF and also make chocolate frosting for them, sometimes PB choc frosting.
And just the other day I posted about my grandma’s recipe for special K bars which involves brown sugar and karo syrup and may not be health food but i have been dreaming about them since childhood.
I love your no bake balls…you combine everything I love…PB, crunchy treat, chocolate, nobake…and roll it into one happy little ball. I’ll take 2 dozen :)
Yum! As soon as I recover from being sick, I’m making these.