Pantry Surprise Snack Bars + Spending Freeze day 10

I was going to call these, Leftover Crap in the Pantry Bars, but Pantry Surprise sounded friendlier.  I made up this little recipe myself today, and as you can see from the picture, they have been taste tested (actually there is more missing from the pan already).  Everyone ages 3- 40 that has tasted them loves them.  So here it is-

My Motivation- 3 constantly hungry boys that need a snack between every meal
My inspiration - use only what I had in the pantry
 

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 cups miniature marshmallows or 20 regular marshmallows
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup total of what ever else you have on hand (I used cheerios) ideas, raisins, chocolate chips, dried berries, nuts...

Directions

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla until peanut butter melts.

2. Add Rice Krispies cereal , oats, and the other cup of whatnots. Stir until well coated.

3. Firmly press cereal mixture down into 8x8 pan. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until firm.Cut and enjoy!

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As for our Spending Freeze for February- Hubs and I challenged ourselves to only spend $100 for out of pocket expenses like gas, groceries and shopping.  I will admit that I am getting a bit nervous about whether or not we are going to make it.  It's the gas that is killing it. But thankfully it is with good reason, as Hubby has had 2 interviews with the same place this week, and it is about 1 hour away- so it has been nessasary to fill up the car.  that said- here are the numbers:


Recap of Spending Freeze
Day 1 = $0
Day 2 = $10.45 (gas)
Day 3 = $0
Day 4 = $10.02 (groceries)
Day 5 = $0
Day 6 = $12.29 (gas and milk)
Day 7 = $0
Day 8 = $5.40 (meat and cat food)
Day 9 = $10.50 (gas for hubs to get to interview!)
Day 10 = $16.45 (gas for hubs to get to 2nd interview!)

So we have  $34.89 left for the month   Yikes!

Kimberly