Granola Bugs

1 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal
1 cup whole-grain, unsweetened wheat cereal
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple in juice, drained
1 can (15 1/4 ounces) peach halves, drained and finely chopped
1/2 cup firmly packed, light brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
20 licorice strings

Multi-grained and full of fruit, these buggy cookies are yummy, and because they're no bake, they take little time to prepare and are fun for even the youngest kitchen helpers. The following are directions for simple beetle-like bugs, but if you're feeling adventurous, try a licorice-legged centipede, or ladybugs decorated with raisin polka dots.

Mix rice cereal, whole-grain cereal, oats and cinnamon in mixing bowl until well combined; set aside.

Place pineapple and peaches between several layers of paper towels and blot to absorb excess moisture; set aside.

Heat brown sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan over medium-high heat until boiling. Remove from heat and mix in peanut butter until melted. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal mixture and mix until thoroughly combined. Mix in drained and blotted fruit. Pack into a 9x13-inch glass baking dish and set-aside until firm, about 20 minutes.

Cut into 60 squares. To make the bugs, form each square with your hands into an egg shape with a flat bottom. Insert small pieces of licorice to represent antennae and legs.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 60; Total fat 1.5g; Saturated fat 0g; Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 25mg; Carbohydrate 12g; Fiber 1g; Protein 1g; Vitamin A 0%DV*; Vitamin C 2%DV; Calcium 2%DV; Iron 4%DV

This recipe is courtesy of Mealtime.org

Megan J. Torrini is the founder of the earth friendly shoppe. The mission of the earth friendly shoppe is to inspire environmental awarenessmby offering a variety of products that are truly earth, human and animal friendly.