ENERGY BARS ENERGY BARS 1 1/2 cups rolled oats 1 cup crispy brown rice cereal 1/4 cup sesame seeds 1 1/2 cups dried, unsulfured apricots 1 1/2 cups raisins or currants 1/2 cup nonfat protein powder 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ 1 cup brown rice syrup or light corn syrup 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup reduced-fat peanut butter 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350°F degrees. Spread oats, cereal and sesame seeds in a 13" x 9" nonstick jelly roll pan. Bake, stirring occasionally, until oats are toasted, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, chop apricots (use the food processor); transfer to a large bowl. Add raisins, protein powder and wheat germ; toss with hands to mix. Lightly coat jelly roll pan with cooking spray.
In a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat, combine rice syrup and sugar; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, stir in peanut butter, vanilla and cinnamon. Quickly pour syrup over oatmeal mixture and stir well. With wet hands or spatula, immediately spread warm mixture into the jelly roll pan, pressing into a thin, even layer. (Caution, if you work too slowly, the mixture will harden and be difficult to spread). Chill until firm, at least four hours.
Cut into 2" x 3" bars. Bars can be wrapped individually in wax paper or foil, or stored in an airtight container with waxed paper between layers. They can be refrigerated for up to four weeks, or frozen for longer storage. Makes 30 bars. 30 Angel_Juli This webset page was assembled on Sunday June 15, 2008 by BuzyS. with graphics from Hemera using one of the many auto-scripters available at Chat_Central_Gateway All rights reserved KENDOC 2005 |