Crispy Puffed Rice Cereal

Crispy puffed rice cereal is a tasty and simple snack to prepare. Here are the steps to make it at home, Italian-style.

Ingredients

• 200 g of puffed rice (without added sugars for a healthier version)
• 150 g of dark chocolate
• 100 g of butter
• 100 g of honey or maple syrup for sweetening
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: chopped nuts (hazelnuts, almonds, etc.), chia seeds or linseed to enrich

Preparation

1. Begin by lightly toasting the puffed rice in a non-stick pan over medium heat, stirring continuously for about 2-3 minutes. This will enhance the flavor of the puffed rice and make it even crunchier.

2. In a double boiler (or directly over very low heat), melt the dark chocolate with the butter and honey, stirring until you obtain a smooth mixture. If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a pinch of salt.

3. Remove the mixture from the heat and incorporate the toasted puffed rice, mixing gently to cover it evenly with the chocolate.

4. Optional: Add the chopped nuts and chia or flax seeds to further enrich the crispy cereal.

5. Pour the mixture onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, distributing it evenly. If you prefer thinner crispy cereals, press down gently with the back of a spoon to flatten them.

6. Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature until it solidifies, then place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

7. Once set, break the crispy cereal into pieces of the desired size and serve.

Curiosity

These crispy puffed rice cereals are a homemade version of the famous snacks found in stores. Not only are they delicious, but they can also be customized with various additional ingredients such as nuts, seeds, or even pieces of dehydrated fruit. If you want to maintain the Italian tradition, you might consider adding a bit of espresso powder to the chocolate mixture for a unique touch!