Today's Recipe 3/7/2012

Rice Cereal Energy Bars

Original Recipe Yield 24 bars

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/2 cup chopped dates
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup dried apricots
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 7 cups crisp rice cereal
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 1/2 cups crunchy peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Directions

1.   Combine the sesame seeds and sunflower seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring until fragrant and toasted. Salt lightly, and set aside to cool.

2.   Combine the dates, raisins, apricots, cherries, chocolate chips and the toasted seeds in the container of a food processor. Pulse to chop until small but not pasty. Transfer to a large bowl, and mix with oats and crisp rice cereal.

3.   In a small glass bowl, mix together the corn syrup, sugar and peanut butter. Heat in the microwave until bubbly. Stir in the powdered milk, vanilla, and almond extract. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the bowl of cereal and goodies, and mix with a wooden spoon until everything is evenly coated.

4.   Press the mixture into a greased 10x15 inch jellyroll pan using wet hands. Cut into squares, and allow to cool completely before removing from the pan.

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving Calories: 324 | Total Fat: 13.9g | Cholesterol: 5mg