Peanut Salvage Bars

aronsinvest's Note:

These taste delicious.. Sweet, peanuty goodness with a nice puffed rice crunch. Cheaper than buying all those premade bars.

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 8

Yield: 8.0 bars

• ¼ cup toasted wheat germ
• ¼ cup shelled sunflower seed
• ½ cup shelled peanuts
• salt
• ½ cup raisins
• 2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
• 2 cups puffed rice cereal (I used puffed brown rice cereal)
• 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
• 1 cup brown sugar , firmly packed
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. If using raw wheat germ, spread it on a baking sheet and toast for a few minutes until fragrant.
3. Spread the sunflower seeds and the peanuts in an even later on separate baking sheets and toast in the oven - the sunflower seeds will take about 6 minutes and the peanuts will take 15 to 20 minutes. Remove and let cool; salt the peanuts lightly.
4. Mix the wheat germ, sunflower seeds, peanuts, raisins, oats, and puffed rice in a large bowl. In a separate bowl that fits your microwave, mix the peanut butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup; microwave on high for 2 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and stir until well blended. Pour over the dry ingredients and fold in until everything is evenly coated.
5. Grease an 8-inch-square baking pan and transfer the mixture from the bowl. Cover the surface with waxed paper and press it down firmly. Refrigerate until completely cool. Cut into eight 2x4-inch bars.