For most of the summer, I cut out carbonated beverages. Well, once I started getting stressed out, I heavily relied on them. Since Aaron got back, we have been eating so bad, I just knew something had to give.
So, I made a promise to myself to TRY to eat healthier.
Sunday, we made it to the commissary and got some pretty good steals [fresh fruits & veggies, granola, juice], but I couldn't believe how expensive their trail mix & diet/energy bars were!
I took it upon myself to make home made 'peanut energy bars'.
I found the recipe online, and it was so simple! Luckily, I had almost all the ingredients at home already, so I only had to pick up sunflower seeds and peanuts.
You all should really try this if you're into healthy GOOD tasting snacks. It makes 16 bars, and even if you have to spend a little to get the ingredients, it ends up being a lot cheaper [and better tasting] than buy 16 of the pre-made bars from the grocery store.
Peanut Energy Bars
1/2 cup dry roasted salted peanuts
1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds or other chopped nuts
2 cups raisins or other chopped dried fruit
2 cups rolled or instant oats
2 cups toasted rice cereal, such as Rice Krispies
1/4 cup toasted wheat germ (optional)
1/2 cup creamy or crunchy natural peanut butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup or honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1. Coat an 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Combine peanuts, sunflower seeds (or other nuts), raisins (or other dried fruit), oats, rice cereal and wheat germ (if using) in a large bowl.
3. 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.
4. 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.
MAKE AHEAD TIP: Individually wrap in plastic and keep at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature.
Enjoy!
2 comments:
Interesting recipe! I'm a health nut so this totally sounds like something I'll enjoy. Thanks for the tip!
How did it turn out? Did Aaron like them?
And how do you survive without carbonation? Egad!
:):):)
He loved them, I love them, I gave one to a friend, and she thought it was awfully tasty, as well.
It is so hard. Going with out carbonation isn't quite as hard as going with out caffeine, though!
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