sapphires or sweets?

One of my co-workers recently celebrated his 45th anniversary with the company. Although it's a totally different occasion, I found that the traditional gift for couples who've been married 45 years is something sapphire-related. Good to know.

I gave him peanut butter bars.


Sometimes I think I'd prefer sweets over sapphires. What's more, if given sapphires, I'd be tempted to pawn them and use the money for sweets. But that's just me--I've never been much for bling.

I asked the honoree if anything I'd brought in over the past ten months had tickled his fancy, and he immediately responded, "That's easy--those peanut butter crunchy bar-type thingies." Fortunately, I was able to deduce what he meant.

These are so easy, I almost felt guilty. After all, 45 years with one company should earn a person a much more decadent and labor-intensive treat. Eh, this is what he wanted, so this is what he got. They are awfully good.

Easy Peasy Peanut Butter Bars

6 cups cereal (anything from Cheerios to Corn Flakes to Rice Krispies)(I used those almost-wasted Rice Krispies wannabes)
3/4 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup caramel sauce
1 teaspoon vanilla

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and caramel sauce. Heat until mixture boils. Add peanut butter and stir until well-blended. Heat a bit more if necessary. Stir in vanilla. Fold in cereal. Spread into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish lined with wax paper. Cover and chill for 1 hour or until set. Cut into squares.