Peanut Energy Bars

From Eating Well magazine. I haven't tried it yet but am looking forward to it!

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 16
• Yields: 16 Bars

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup peanuts, dry roasted and salted
• 1⁄2 cup sunflower seeds, roasted (or any other kind of nut)
• 2  cups raisins, chopped (or any other kind of dried fruit)
• 2  cups rolled oats or 2  cups  instant oats
• 2  cups  toasted rice cereal
• 1⁄4 cup toasted wheat germ (optional)
• 1⁄2 cup  natural-style peanut butter
• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1⁄2 cup honey
• 1  teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. Coat a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Combine peanuts, sunflower seeds (or other nuts), raisins (or other dried fruit), oats, rice cereal and wheat germ or flax seed meal (if using) in a large bowl.
3. Combine peanut butter, brown sugar and honey in a large microwaveable bowl and microwave on high or boil on stove top until bubbling (1 to 2 minutes).
4. Add vanilla and stir until blended.
5. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until covered.
6. Transfer mixture to the prepared pan. Press down firmly (It helps to coat your fingers with cooking spray). Let stand for about 1 hour to harden.
7. Cut into bars.