Recipe: Energy Bars

got a craving for a snack? like both sweet and salty? need something super easy to make? looking for lasting energy, not energy-draining foods? want something even your kids will like?

prepare this batch of healthy energy-sustaining bars on sunday and pop them in the 'fridge. during the busy week, whenever someone in the house needs a healthy, quick snack that will provide long-lasting energy - grab one of these! they're awesome with a hot cup of tea or coffee, and they are way better for you than those pre-packaged bars. (also great for lunchboxes!)

this is a pretty flexible recipe; if there's an ingredient you don't like or don't have, feel free to substitute with a food that's similar in consistency. the possibilities are really endless. if you have questions, feel free to email/message me! and i love to see pics of you eating the finished product! in fact, i'd love to post some happy, healthy eaters on my website, so capture some good shots!

2 C rolled oats

2 1/4 C puffed brown rice cereal

1 1/4 C whole wheat flour

1/4 C ground flax meal

3 T shredded, unsweetened coconut

2 T cocoa powder

1/4 C brown rice or maple syrup or agave

1/2 t salt

1/4 C cup natural unsweetened apple sauce

1/2 t vanilla

1 banana mashed

1/2 C almond butter (or nut free options = sunflower seed or pumpkin butter)

1/2 C sliced almonds or walnuts or cashews or pistachios (if nut free, double the dried fruit instead)

1/2 C craisins and or dark choc chips or whatever dried fruit you want

dashes of cinnamon to taste

**optional for bonus points - 1/8 C ground chia seeds (high in omega 3's, fiber & antioxidants) & 1/3 C goji berries (high in antioxidants)

mix all together, press into baking pan (i use 9X13). bake @ 350 for about 20-25 min or until just starting to brown. either cut into bars & then cool, or let cool and then break apart into crumbles.

store in either 'fridge or freezer.

enjoy!