Peanut Salvage Bars

By shanstriss

"They're called "salvage" because they'll save you when you need a burst of energy and nutrition."
-Jeff Cox

This is Heidi Swanson's adaptation; a little stickier than the original, but that makes the bars hold their shape better. My favorite home made power/granola bar and they're super easy because there isn't any baking involved.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup raw or toasted wheat germ
• 1/4 cup shelled sunflower seed
• 1/2 cup shelled peanuts
• salt
• 1/2 cup raisins (I prefer golden raisins)
• 2 cups 1-minute rolled oats
• 2 cups puffed rice cereal (brown rice is preferable, if you can find it)
• 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 cup maple syrup (or molasses)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

Step 1

1. Toast the wheat germ, sunflower seeds, and peanuts:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

If using raw wheat germ, spread it on a baking sheet and toast for a few minutes until fragrant.

Spread the sunflower seeds and the peanuts in an even later on separate baking sheets and toast in the oven - the sunflower seeds will take about 6 minutes and the peanuts will take 15 to 20 minutes. Remove and let cool; salt the peanuts lightly.

2. Mix the wheat germ, sunflower seeds, peanuts, raisins, oats, and puffed rice in a large bowl.

3. In a separate bowl that fits your microwave, mix the peanut butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup; microwave on high for 2 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and stir until well blended.

4. Pour over the dry ingredients and fold in until everything is evenly coated.

5. Grease an 8-inch-square baking pan and transfer the mixture from the bowl. Cover the surface with waxed paper and press it down firmly. Refrigerate until completely cool. Cut into eight 2x4-inch bars.