Almond-Honey Power Bar

By Hklbrries

Carolyn Auseth, RD, suggests making your own protein bars. They are easier on your pocketbook than the bars you purchase, and eliminate added sugars. She recommends this recipe, which originally appeared in "Eating Well" magazine.

Ingredients

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 tbsp flaxseeds, preferably golden
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 cup unsweetened whole-grain puffed cereal
• 1/3 cup currants
• 1/3 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/3 cup chopped golden raisins
• 1/4 cup creamy almond butter
• 1/4 cup turbinado sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp salt

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat an 8-inch-square pan with cooking spray. Spread first 5 ingredients on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes total, shaking pan halfway through. Transfer to a large bowl and toss in cereal and fruit.

Combine almond butter and remaining ingredients in saucepan over medium-low heat until the mixture bubbles lightly, 2 to 5 minutes. Stir almond butter sauce into dry ingredients until no dry spots remain. Transfer to prepared pan. Lightly coat your fingers with cooking spray and press mixture down into an even layer. Refrigerate 30 minutes until firm; cut into 8 bars. Store in airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 1 month.