Peanut Energy Bars
This carbohydrate-rich bar—full of nuts, seeds, fruit and oats—was adapted from Amy Harrison's prize-winning submission in the Plains (Georgia) Peanut Festival recipe competition, sponsored by The Peanut Institute. 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.
Ingredients
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½ cup dry roasted salted peanuts
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1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds, or other chopped nuts
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2 cups raisins, or other chopped dried fruit
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2 cups rolled or instant oats
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2 cups toasted rice cereal, such as Rice Krispies
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1/4 cup toasted wheat germ, (optional)
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½ cup creamy or crunchy natural peanut butter
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½ cup packed brown sugar
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1/2 cup light corn syrup, or honey
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Description
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Coat an 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
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Combine peanuts, sunflower seeds (or other nuts), raisins (or other dried fruit), oats, rice cereal and wheat germ (if using) in a large bowl.
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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.
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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.