Easy, Tasty Energy Bars

Chewy, wholesome and delicious. Tweak the ingredients to include what you like, and exclude what you are not fond of. Choose the type of healthy cereal you like - or mix a few varieties together. This recipe will support the addition of tons of goodies without falling apart. And don't forget to sprinkle some mini chocolate or peanut butter chips over the top of the cooled pan. A light press will secure them to the bars. DOUBLES WITH NO PROBLEM.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 9

Ingredients

• 3  cups  puffed  whole grain cereal (see directions)
• 1⁄2 cup  nuts (see note below)
• 3⁄8 cup  dried fruit
• 1⁄4 cup honey (or agave syrup)
• 1⁄4 cup  rice syrup, brown rice is preferable
• 1⁄3 cup creamy peanut butter (any nut butter will work)
• 1⁄2 cup  mini chocolate chip

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Coat 9-inch square metal baking pan with cooking spray, margarine or butter.
3. Mix cereal, nuts and dried fruit in medium bowl. Combine nut butter, agave & brown rice syrup in heavy small saucepan.
4. Bring to boil, whisking constantly until mixture bubbles vigorously and thickens slightly, about 1 minute BURNS EASILY, EVEN WHEN STIRRED NON-STOP.
5. Pour peanut butter mixture over cereal mixture in bowl; stir to blend. Transfer mixture to prepared pan; press to compact.
6. Bake until just golden around edges, about 8-10 minutes.
7. Cool completely. Cut into bars with a serrated knife. Store in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature.
8. NOTE: I prefer when the puffed cereal is substituted with (Trader) Joe’s O’s and some Raisin Bran. In place of nuts and fruit, I used Trader Joe’s Tempting Trail Mix and another variety, plus added dried tart cherries, coconut, and sesame seeds.
9. DOUBLE THE RECIPE and bake in a 9x13" pan for 12-15 minutes for a family of three or more. Everyone will love these and you'll be making them all the time because they are better and far less expensive than any brand name version.