Mix it up

When it's time to start making school lunches again, I like to pack a special homemade treat as a way to say "I love you." It's a tradition the kids will remember for years to come.

You can't go wrong with the Original Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies — they're a classic lunchbox treat and always a favorite! For a tasty no-bake recipe, try these Butterscotch Snack Bites. You can make them in three fun ways — in muffin cups, as snackable bars or in mini muffin cups. The mini versions are the perfect size for an after-lunch treat. Along with a delicious dessert, include a hand-written note with words of encouragement for the day.

For more ways to bake some love for your family, visit www.VeryBestBaking.com.

No-Bake Butterscotch Snack Bites

Yields: 2 dozen snack bites

3 cups toasted rice cereal

1 cup quick oats

1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, pecans and/or almonds

1 2/3 cups (11-ounce package) Nestlé Toll House Butterscotch Flavored Morsels, divided

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup light corn syrup

PAPER-LINE or lightly grease 24 muffin cups.

COMBINE cereal, oats, nuts, 1/2 cup morsels and salt in large mixing bowl.

MELT remaining morsels and corn syrup in uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH (70 percent) power for 1 minute; STIR. Morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted.

DRIZZLE melted morsel mixture over cereal mixture; stir until combined. Working quickly, press 1/4 cup of mixture into each prepared cup. Let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes or until firm. Store in a tightly covered container(s) at room temperature.

FOR MINI SNACKBITES: Paper-line or grease mini muffin cups. Prepare recipe as above; press about 1 tablespoon of mixture into each prepared cup. Makes about 4 1/2 dozen mini snack bites.

FOR SNACKBITE BARS: Lightly grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Prepare recipe as above and press mixture into prepared pan. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes or until firm. Makes 2 dozen bars.