Plantation Bars

• 2 packages (10 to 12 ounces each) vanilla or white chips
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 7 cups crisp rice cereal
• 1 cup salted peanuts
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons water
• 4-1/2 teaspoons meringue powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• Red and blue food coloring
• Red, blue and white sprinkles

1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the vanilla chips and peanut butter. Microwave, uncovered, at 50% power for 1-1/2 to 3-1/2 minutes or until melted; stir until smooth. Stir in cereal and peanuts. Press into a greased 13x9-in. pan. Let stand at room temperature until firm, about 30 minutes.
2. Divide the pan of bars in half. On one half, cut out stars using a greased 2-1/2-in. star-shaped cookie cutter. Cut remaining half into 3-1/4x1-1/4-in. bars for stripes.
3. In a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, water, meringue powder and cream of tartar; beat on low speed just until combined. Beat on high for 4-5 minutes or until stiff peaks form. Divide frosting among three bowls. Tint one red and one blue and leave remaining frosting white. Decorate cutouts with frosting and sprinkles.

vanilla, peanut butter, crisp rice, peanuts, sugar, water, meringue powder, cream of tartar, red, red

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/plantation-bars/ (may not work)