Food Network Oatmeal Peanut Butter Energy Bars

lacinad

So I thought I would post these for everyone who loves granola bars and snacks on the go. I made these for the first time last night and instantly fell in love with them. They may not be the best, but I definitely feel better after eating one of these, instead of a processed granola bar from the store. Not only are these yummy, but you can alter the recipe any way you like. I think I may put some semisweet chocolate in them next time, for a treat I also used almonds and raisins instead of figs and peanuts.

I know some of the comments on the website is the amount of sugar used in them, but I am sure you can alter that and reduce some of the ingredients. Check them out!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/oatmeal-peanut-butter-energy-bars-recipe2/index.html

Ingredients
Cooking spray
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon canola oil
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups rolled oats
2 cups crisp brown rice cereal
1/4 cup toasted wheat germ
1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup chopped dried figs
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions
Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, peanut butter, maple syrup, canola oil, brown sugar, cinnamon. Stir and cook until mixture just begins to bubble, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

In a large bowl, combine oats, rice cereal, wheat germ, peanuts, apricots, figs and salt.

Pour peanut butter mixture over oatmeal mixture and stir gently with a spatula until well combined. Transfer to baking dish, cover with parchment paper and press firmly into dish. Allow to cool completely (will cool faster in the refrigerator). Cut into squares or bars.

Nutrition analysis per serving: Calories: 240; Total fat: 10g; Saturated fat: 1.5g; Carbohydrate: 30g; Protein: 6g; Sodium: 70mg