This is a great one for your sweet tooth. Lots of sugar, not too much fat.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup brown rice syrup (or Karo Syrup- or Down To Earth has natural liquid sweeteners)

1/2 cup Almond Nut Butter (available at Down To Earth)

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. almond extract

1/4 tsp. salt

2 cups crispy rice cereal

1/2 cup sliced almonds

1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips or carob chips

1/3 cup coconut, toasted

Safflower oil

Instructions:

• In a large saucepan, place the brown rice syrup and Almond Nut Butter, and cook over low heat while stirring until creamy and small bubbles begin to appear.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the vanilla and almond extract, and stir well to combine.
• Add the crispy rice cereal and stir well to coat the cereal thoroughly with the mixture.
• Add the remaining ingredients and fold gently to combine.
• Using a little safflower oil, lightly oil a 9 x 9-inch square pan. Pour the cereal mixture into the prepared pan.
• Wet your hands with a little water and press the mixture firmly into the pan.
• Chill for 30 minutes or more or until firm, and then cut into 12 pieces. Store in an airtight container.

Note: you can substitute other nut butters such as hazelnut, cashew, pistachio, or peanut to make these treats using the same procedure.

Yield: One 9-inch pan or 12 pieces.