homemade energy bars

250 mL Western Family old fashioned oats 1 cup
125 mL unsalted raw peanuts 1/2 cup
125 mL pumpkin seeds 1/2 cup
125 mL sunflower seeds 1/2 cup
125 mL semi-sweet coconut 1/2 cup
125 mL raisins 1/2 cup
60 mL dried cranberries 1/4 cup
60 mL Western Family flaxseeds 1/4 cup
30 mL toasted sesame seeds 2 tbsp
250 mL Western Family bran flakes 1 cup
375 mL Western Family crispy rice cereal 1 1/2 cup
175 mL Western Family smooth peanut butter 3/4 cup
175 mL Western Family honey 3/4 cup
10 mL Western Family vanilla 2 tsp

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 13" x 18" metal baking pan or baking sheet with sides and set aside.

Combine oats, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and coconut in a separate large baking pan. Stir together to evenly distribute. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until slightly golden. Let cool. Transfer to a large bowl. Add raisins, cranberries, flaxseeds, sesame seeds, and cereals. Stir to blend.

In a small saucepan, stir together peanut butter, honey and vanilla over low heat until well blended. Remove from heat and slightly cool. When peanut butter mixture has cooled, add to seed and cereal mixture, folding to blend well. Press mixture into prepared baking pan. Use the back of a greased spoon to firmly press mixture into pan. Bake in 350°F (180°C) oven for 12 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting in squares. Cut into 20 bars using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Store in an airtight container or individually wrap and freeze for a later date.

Makes 20 bars.

Nutritional analysis per serving
Calories 247, Protein 7.2 g, Fat 13.9 g, Carbohydrate 30 g, Fibre 4.1 g