You may not want to wait until February 14 to share these sensational no-bake cookies!

Ingredients:
1 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
1/4 cup light-colored corn syrup
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
3 cups crisp rice cereal
Frosting (optional)
1/2 teaspoon butter or margarine

Directions:
Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper. Grease the waxed paper with the 1/2 teaspoon butter or margarine. Set aside.

Put the chocolate pieces, corn syrup, and the 2-tablespoons butter or margarine in a heavy medium saucepan. Put pan on burner. Turn burner to low heat. Cook until chocolate and butter are melted, stirring all the time with a wooden spoon. Turn off burner. Remove pan from burner. Or, put chocolate pieces, corn syrup, and butter or margarine in a 1-1/2-quart microwave-safe casserole. Microwave, uncovered, on 100% power (high) for one minute or until chocolate and butter are melted, stirring once.

Add the rice cereal to the melted chocolate mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until the cereal is evenly coated with chocolate.

Turn the chocolate-coated cereal out onto the prepared cookie sheet. Pat it into a 12x6-inch rectangle. Chill about 20 minutes or until slightly firm.

Make-Ahead Tip:
Prepare as directed and chill up to two days.