Energy bars

Nutty Apricot Energy Bars

• 3 cups puffed whole-grain cereal (puffed wheat or Kashi)

• 1/2 cup chopped nuts

• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots

• 4 tablespoons ground flaxseed

• 1/2 cup creamy almond butter, sunflower butter(my favorite) or peanut butter

• 1/4 cup honey, brown rice syrup or agave syrup

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch square metal baking pan with foil; spray with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, mix the cereal, nuts, dried fruit and flaxseed; set aside.

3. Place the nut butter and sweetener of your choice in small, heavy saucepan. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, whisking constantly for about 1 minute until bubbly and smooth.

4. Pour hot mixture over cereal mixture in bowl, stirring to blend.

5. Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Using a large square of wax paper or foil, firmly press mixture down into pan to firmly compact.

6. Bake 10 minutes, or until golden around edges.

7. Cool completely. Remove bars using foil liner and cut into 16 bars or squares.

Makes 16 servings; 120 calories per serving