Recipe: Power-Packed Peanut Bars (using Rice Krispies and oats)

POWER-PACKED PEANUT BARS

2 1/2 cups toasted rice cereal
2 cups rolled oats, uncooked
3/4 cup chopped peanuts
1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla

Grease a 9-inch square pan and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together rice cereal, oats and peanuts and set aside.

Place peanut butter, brown sugar and corn syrup in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until mixture is smooth and just starts to boil. Stir in vanilla. Pour over cereal mixture. Gently toss to mix well.

Pour into prepared pans and press level. Cool completely and then cut into 12 bars about 1 1/2 x4 1/2 -inches. Wrap bars in plastic wrap and store in airtight container.

Nutrition facts per bar: 264 calories, 11 g fat (35 percent of calories from fat), 37 g carbohydrates, 8 g protein, 0 mg cholesterol, 3 g fiber and 145 mg sodium.

Makes 12 bars
Source: National Peanut Board