Crisp Peanut Butter Chews *

1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 pouch peanut butter cookie mix
7 cups crisp rice cereal
1 cup salted peanuts
Chocolate chips, melted

Line 2 large cookie sheets with waxed paper.  In heavy dutch oven, heat corn syrup to boiling over medium heat, stirring occasionally.  Stir in peanut butter until melted.  Stir in cookie mix until well blended.  Cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.  Immediately remove from heat.  With wooden spoon or rubber spatula, gently fold in cereal and peanuts until well coated.  Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto cookie sheets.  Flatten each cookie slightly with fingertips.  Cool completely, about 30 minutes.  Store covered at room temperature.  Drizzle melted chocolate chips over cookies.

Makes 6 dozen