Crunchy Peanut Butter Balls

These are really quick and really yummy! You can drizzle melted peanut butter chips or white chocolate over the top, or use holiday sprinkles. Sometimes I substitute mini marshmallows (about 4 cups) for the marshmallow creme if that's all I have. Just microwave them for a minute or so. Yum!

Ingredients:
-1 cup peanut butter (be generous)
-1 (7 oz.) jar marshmallow creme
-2 cups crisp rice cereal
-1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
-4 teaspoons shortening

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and marshmallow creme; add cereal and stir until well coated. Roll cereal mixture into 1-in. balls and place on wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Refrigerate for an hour or put in the freezer 15 minutes.
2. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and shortening. Microwave at 50% power in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until chips are melted smooth. Dip balls in chocolate using a toothpick. Place on a waxed paper-lined pan. Refrigerate until set.
3. Remove toothpicks and decorate as desired.