Energy Bars

These bars are a great pick-me-up at any time of the day.

1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats

1/2 cup shelled unsalted raw sunflower seeds

1/2 cup toasted wheat germ

1/4 cup whole-wheat flour

1/2 cup dried apricots

1/2 cup raw almonds

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup pitted dried dates

1/2 cup nonfat dry milk

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/3 cup pure maple syrup

2 large eggs

Preheat oven to 350.  Coat a 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray.

Place all ingredients, except the maple syrup and eggs, in a food processor and pulse until everything is finely chopped.  Add the syrup and eggs and pulse until the mixture is well combined.  It will resemble a coarse paste.

Spread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.  Bake until lightly browned, 20-25 minutes.  Allow to cool for 15 minutes, then cut into 24 bars.  Store in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 days or wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.

Source:  The Food You Crave - Ellie Krieger

Kimberly