Payday Bars (Homemadely Yours Cookbook)

I made these recently for some lovely ladies at work.  They were a hit with several others as well.  They are very similar to a Payday bar even though they have Rice Chex in them.  My favorite compliment was that they are better than a Payday.  They also prompted a coworker to buy one of mom's cookbooks, and another to order one.  So I'm pretty confident that IF you like Payday candy bars, you will love these!

1 c. sugar
1 c. white karo syrup (I used light)
1 c. creamy peanut butter (I used reduced fat)
1 tsp. vanilla
6 c. rice chex cereal
1 1/2 c. cocktail peanuts

Mix sugar and karo syrup together in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until boiling.  Stir in peanut butter and vanilla.  In a large bowl mix cereal and peanuts and cover with the hot mixture.  Stir to blend.  Pour into a 9x13 baking dish and press until firm.  Cut into bars when completely cool.