Homestyle Hiking Bars

I'm not a picky eater until it comes to 'health' food. Then I hate everything. (At least that's what my co-workers say.) Last week, I attended an event called Outdoor Retailer. It's a huge trade show where every protein bar, energy bar, faux food company imaginable happily gives away free samples of their goodies. In high hopes you'll love 'em.

So I tried them all. (It was either that or go back to the trade show booth and do the work they pay me to do.) Tried 'em. Then tossed 'em after just a couple nibbles. I don't get that... why packaged protein bars taste so awful and cost so much when it's so very easy to make your own. Homemade energy bars take about 15 minutes make and you don't even have to bake them!

This is a very forgiving recipe. Doll it up with whatever strikes your fancy ~ such as different nuts, dried fruits, almond butter instead peanut butter, or a favorite type of cereal. I'm thinking Count Chocula would be quite yummy! But, then I'm not terribly committed to the health movement. :)

Homestyle Hiking Bars
Cook for just a couple minutes, until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, right before it boils:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup sugar 

Stir in:

• 1 cup natural peanut butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pour into a mixing bowl:

• 1-1/2 cups Rice Krispies
• 1-1/2 cups Kashi Heart to Heart Cereal
• 1-1/2 cups craisins
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts
• I sometimes add 1 cup chocolate chips instead of the peanuts

Mix it altogether and voila! You've got an ultra tasty trail bar that makes Cliff Bars taste like tiles off the kitchen floor. Spread this gooey mixture into a brownie pan, no baking required! Let them cool. Then cut into bite size bars.

Enjoy!