Cherry Snack Bars

On-the-go energy bars made with rolled oats, wheat germ, peanut butter, honey, vanilla and tart dried cherries

Ingredients:
1 cup honey
1/2 cup natural unsalted peanut butter
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick)
1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1/2 cup raw wheat germ (untoasted)
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 cup chopped dried tart cherries
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat a 9 X 13-inch baking pan with olive oil cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, measure dry ingredients. Stir to combine well. Set aside.

In a small saucepan, warm honey, peanut butter and olive oil over low heat until blended. Do not boil. Stir in vanilla.

Add warm honey mixture to dry ingredients and quickly stir mixture until it is well combined. Mixture will be sticky but not wet.

Pat mixture into prepared pan. Press firmly with your hands to remove any air pockets. Bake until it just begins to brown, about 25-30 minutes.

Cool for 10 minutes, and cut into 24 bars (about 1 1/2 x 2 1/4 inches each). When just cool enough to handle, remove bars from pan to cooling rack. When cool, store in airtight containers. Bars can be stored in refrigerator for optimal freshness.

Yield: 1 cup or four servings

Nutrition Info:
Calories 171, Total Fat g 5, Sat Fat g 1, Chol mg 1, Sodium mg 65, Total Carb g 28, Fiber g 2, Sugars g 17, Protein g 5