CRISPY PEANUT BUTTER BARS A no-bake snack bar that's a perfect lunch-box or after-school treat. 13- by 9-inch cake pan, lined with foil and greased 2 1/2 cups crisp rice cereal 1 1/4 cups regular oats 1 cup chopped mixed dried fruit (apricots, dates, raisins, apples, cranberries, etc.) 1 cup chopped peanuts 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter 3/4 cup liquid honey 1/2 cup cocoa powder

Combine first four ingredients in large bowl. Heat brown sugar, peanut butter and honey in small saucepan over low heat, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in cocoa powder. Pour over dry ingredients. Mix well. Press firmly into prepared pan. Refrigerate until set, about 1 hour. Remove from pan and peel off foil. Cut into bars.

VARIATION: Use a combination of fruits or one type only if you have a favorite.

Makes about 3 dozen bars.

TIP: Mix thoroughly so all dry ingredients are moistened. Mixture will seem a bit crumbly before pressing into pan.

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Refrigeration time: 1 hour| Freezing: excellent.

Robin Hood Baking Festival Cookbook

Robin Hood Baking Festival Cookbook