I’m always looking for semi-healthy snacks for the kids- things that are not processed and full of sugar. We eat loads of fruit, but I like having chewy and crunchy things to munch on too.
I’ve also been experimenting with sugar alternatives like brown rice syrup. I already use maple syrup and agave nectar here and there and try to use them more in my baking.
I’ve had this recipe for “sports bars” from a Bon Appetite magazine circa 2002. The original recipe calls for corn syrup, which I substituted with brown rice syrup and agave. The results were excellent. The kids love them too. Of course, they would prefer if I put chocolate chips in them too.
Here is the recipe:
3 cups puffed whole grain cereal (such as Kashi)
1/2 cup nuts (any kind, I used cashews & sunflower seeds because that’s what I had)
1/2 – 3/4 cup assorted dried fruit (I used chopped apricots & golden raisins)
1/3 cup creamy nut butter (peanut, almond, sunflower or cashew – any kind will work)
1/4 cup agave (or honey)
1/4 cup brown rice syrup
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 9-inch square metal baking pan with oil, margarine or butter. Mix cereal, nuts and dried fruit in medium bowl. Combine nut butter, agave & brown rice syrup in heavy small saucepan. Bring to boil, whisking constantly until mixture bubbles vigorously and thickens slightly, about 1 minute. Pour peanut butter mixture over cereal mixture in bowl; stir to blend. Transfer mixture to prepared pan; press to compact. Bake until just golden around edges, about 8-10 minutes. Cool completely. Cut into bars. Store in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature.
Enjoy!!
Yum! I love the bigger pieces of nuts. I’ve been seeing a lot of these recipes around and I’m so glad about it. I’ve got to make myself some!
Looks delish! I will have to try this. The problem with these sorts of things, is that I eat too many!
Oh! Thanks for sharing – I’m definitely going to give these a try! *smiles* ~Jen
Thank you! Can’t wait to try this…
these look delicious – im going to give them a go!!
hey loved your recycled paper bag project in Country Living mag! was excited to see your name! Hugs!
These look really yummy! I’m always looking for new variations on granola bars.
I linked to you on the Foodwhirl facebook page
http://blog.creativekismet.com/2010/03/03/chewy-energy-bars/
PS, I’d love for you to do a guest post on foodwhirl.com sometime 🙂
dot
So, I know I’d love these but let me ask, do your kids love them?
YUM! gotta try these!
Super-E loves them and has been taking them to school for snack time. My little guy likes them okay but eats them in much smaller pieces.
I, of course, like them a little too much.
Is there an alternative for the brown rice syrup? Could I just use more honey?