Chewy Energy Bars

Submitted by Elcowgirl

"This is from a Company's Coming cookbook. The recipe looks like it might be similar to a fruity nut bar that I enjoy from Starbuck's. I haven't tried it yet so let me know how it turns out..."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 15mins
• Ingredients: 11
• Yields: 10 bars

ingredients

• 2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats (not instant)
• 1⁄2 cup dark raisin
• 1⁄2 cup dried cranberries
• 1⁄2 cup chopped dried apricot
• 1⁄2 cup unsalted roasted sunflower seeds
• 1⁄2 cup pine nuts
• 1⁄2 cup chopped pecans
• 3⁄4 cup golden syrup
• 2 tablespoons hard margarine (or butter)
• 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
• 1⁄4 cup shelled pumpkin seeds, crushed (or unsalted peanuts) (optional)

directions

1. Combine first 7 ingredients in large bowl.
2. Heat and stir corn syrup, margarine and peanut butter in small saucepan on medium for 3-5 minutes until margarine is melted and mixture is hot but not boiling.
3. Add to rolled oats mixture. Mix well.
4. Line 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) pan with foil, leaving 1 inch (2.5 cm) overhang on 2 sides.
5. Grease foil with cooking spray.
6. Press mixture evenly in pan. Cover.
7. Chill for about 1 hour until firm.
8. Holding foil, remove mixture from pan. Discard foil.
9. Cut mixture in half. Cut each half crosswise into 5 bars.
10. Press bottom of each bar in pumpkin seeds in small shallow dish until coated.
11. Wrap bars individually in pastic wrap.
12. Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.