Roll Your Own Energy Bar With Arts Nut’s!

This prize-winning energy bar recipe, courtesy of the Peanut Institute, offers a delicious and healthy alternative to expensive and chemical laden commercial energy bars. They are perfect for walkers, runners, hikers and bikers, as well as for a satisfying snack any time of the day! They are relatively high in fat–but it’s healthful fat from peanuts and sunflower seeds.

For variety, you can make this recipe with cashews and cashew butter, and/or add a variety of dried fruits (cranberries, cherries).

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup salted dry-roasted peanuts
• 1/2 cup roasted sunflower seed kernels (or more peanuts)
• 1/2 cup raisins or other dried fruit
• 2 cups uncooked oatmeal, old-fashioned or instant
• 2 cups toasted rice cereal, such as Rice Krispies
• 1/2 cup peanut butter, crunchy or creamy
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Optional: 1/4 cup toasted wheat germ

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix the peanuts, sunflower seeds, raisins, oat-meal, and toasted rice cereal (and wheat germ). Set aside.

In a medium microwaveable bowl, combine the peanut butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup.

Microwave on high for 2 minutes.

Add vanilla and stir until blended.

Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients; mix well.

For squares, spoon the mixture into an 8″x 8″ pan coated with cooking spray; for bars spoon it into a 9″ x 13″ pan.

Press down firmly. (It helps to coat your fingers with oil or cooking spray.)

Let stand for about an hour, then cut into squares or bars.

Yield: 16 squares or bars
Total calories: 3,600
Calories per serving: 225
30 g Carb; 6 g Pro; 9 g Fat