Homemade Energy Bars

Homemade Energy Bars
1 cup pure maple syrup
3/4 cup smooth natural peanut butter
2 2/3 cups rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup soy protein powder or whey protein powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup roasted sun flower seeds
3/4 cup ’sun-ripened’ blueberries
3/4 cup ’sun-ripened’ cranberries
1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup chopped pistachios
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan.

Mix the syrup and peanut butter together in a large bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until well combined. Press it into the prepared pan. It will be slightly sticky but should still spread easily into the pan if you grease your fingers.

Bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Cut into bars while still warm but allow to cool completely in the pan. Wrap each bar individually and store for up to 10 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.