Wednesday, July 15, 2009

As promised..



Since I just found out this weekend that people other then studio staff read this email, the presuure has risen and I have been making promises that I'm now having to keep.

Between tostadas and margaritas this weekend, I had been talking about my new favorite energy bar to make from the Enlightened Cooking Blog, it's made with whole grain goodness, protein powder and chocolate chips (otherwise known as crack, shhh don't tell anyone, they're not that good for you).

So here it is.. enjoy!

No-Bake Oatmeal Energy Bars with Cherries and Almonds (or chocolate chips and raisins, depending on your budget-students)

2 and 1/2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal, uncooked
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ (e.g. Kretchsmer’s)
1/2 cup Protein Powder (I used Vanilla)
1/2 cup dried cherries, blueberries, or other dried fruit, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup lightly salted roasted almonds (or other roasted or toasted nuts or seeds)
1 cup natural-style nut or seed butter (e.g., peanut, cashew, almond, or tahini)
3/4 cup honey
1/3 cup dark molasses (not blackstrap)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt

Line a 9x9-inch square metal baking pan foil; spray with nonstick cooking spray.In a medium bowl mix the oatmeal, wheat germ, milk powder, dried fruit and nuts; set aside.Place the nut butter, honey and molasses in a large heavy saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until bubbly, melted and smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, cinnamon and salt.

Mix in the cereal mixture (mix until well blended and all of the oat mixture is coated).Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Using a large square of wax paper or foil, very firmly press mixture down into pan to compact.

Cool completely. Remove bars using foil overhang and then cut into 16 bars or squares. Tightly wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Store the wrapped bars in a plastic zip-top bag in the refrigerator. Makes 16 servings.

Nutrition per Serving (1 bar):
Calories 234; Fat 9.1g Protein 8.4g; Carbohydrate 34.8g

No comments:

Post a Comment