Peanut Energy Bars

Peanut Energy Bars
This carbohydrate-rich bar, full of nuts, seeds, fruit and oats.It includes a little protein, and is a great grab-and-go pre-workout snack on mornings when you don’t have time to digest a full meal.

Makes 16 bars
Ingredients:
1/2 cup dry roasted salted peanuts
1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds or other chopped nuts
2 cups raisins or other chopped dried fruit
2 cups rolled or instant oats
2 cups toasted rice cereal, such as Rice Krispies
1/4 cup toasted wheat germ (optional)
1/2 cup creamy or crunchy natural peanut butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup or honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Direction:
1. Coat an 9-by-13-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 (if using) in a large bowl.
3. Combine peanut butter, brown sugar and corn syrup (or honey) in a large microwaveable bowl; microwave on High until bubbling, 1 to 2 minutes. Add vanilla and stir until blended. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until coated.
4. Transfer the 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. Cut into bars.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Individually wrap in plastic and keep at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature.