Gingerbread Men Quaker® Life Cereal Snack Bars

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this awesome idea!

We've been having lots of fun around here with our advent calendar activities. As much as we like getting out of the house to see lights, go ice skating, or attend a fun holiday party, there is something magical about baking in the kitchen during Christmas.

We spent an afternoon at home making some gingerbread men. But, they weren't the normal gingerbread man cookies you might be thinking. We needed something simpler and a lot less time consuming.

So we made some Gingerbread Men Cereal Bars. Not only were they super simple to make, they were delicious and fun to eat! And it felt really good eating something different than a cookie and English Toffee. Because we have had our fair share of those lately!

Supplies needed: (I found all my supplies at Walmart!)

• Quaker® Life Cinnamon cereal
• 1, 10 oz bag marshmallows (45 large marshmallows)
• ¼ cup butter
• gingerbread man cookie cutter
• parchment or wax paper
• Colored candies

Step 1:  Measure out 6 cups of Quaker® Life cereal into a large bowl. Using your hands, break it down just a little so you don't have any huge pieces of cereal left.

Step 2: Combine 45 marshmallows and ¼ cup butter into a large pan. Melt on medium heat, stirring often to avoid burning the bottom.

Step 3: Once the butter and marshmallows have melted 95% (this is the key tip!), remove from the stove. You may have a few little marshallows left, but it's okay. You don't want to overcook it. Pour into the bowl with the Quaker® Life  cereal.

Step 4: Using a wooden spoon, mix gently until all of the cereal is coated with marshmallows. My little guy loved helping with this step!

Step 5: Mold the mixture into the gingerbread man cookie cutter. I found that it was easier to mold it if my hands were slightly damp with water. Then remove any extra cereal from the edges. Then place on a cookie sheet lined with wax or parchment paper.

 Step 6: Repeat until you have cute little gingerbread man treats. Use festive candies for the buttons.

We snacked on a few right after we made them, but then I stashed them in my purse and pulled them out when we needed a quick and festive snack. Food may or may not be a great way to keep my 2 year old happy while we finish up some Christmas shopping!

I just thought they turned out so adorable for being so much easier than real gingerbread men cookies. And since Blake keeps asking for more, I think he is a fan, too!

If you want some more inspiration, check out the Quaker Cereal website. Also, don't forget that Quaker makes other great cereals like Quaker® Oatmeal Squares, Quaker® Real Medleys, and Quaker® Simply Granola.

Speaking of Quaker® Simply Granola, I'm going to surprise my family with these simple and festive reindeer breakfast cups. Just fill a cup with Quaker® Simply Granola, top with a raspberry for a nose and some nuts for the eyes. Better yet, make it a dessert parfait by putting ice cream or yogurt underneath the granola!

I must have a thing for fun breakfasts because earlier this month, I put out a "It's a Wonderful Life" -themed breakfast for my favorite people. My husband especially got a big kick out of it. It's all about the simple things, right?

Can you believe Christmas is less then a week away? Tell me something festive you've done lately!