Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Energy Bars Food

CHOCOLATE-PEANUT BUTTER ENERGY BARS

Steps:

• Soak dates in hot water to cover in a medium bowl for 10 minutes. Drain, reserving the soaking water.
• Meanwhile, line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over 2 sides. Lightly coat the parchment with cooking spray.
• Combine the soaked dates, peanut butter, oats and salt in a food processor; process until very finely chopped and starting to clump together. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved soaking water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Transfer to the medium bowl and stir in peanuts. Spread the mixture evenly and firmly into the prepared pan.
• Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on Medium (50%) until melted, 2 to 3 minutes. Spread the chocolate evenly over the oat mixture. Refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour. Remove from the pan by lifting the overhanging parchment. Cut into 16 squares.

PEANUT ENERGY BARS

Steps:

• Coat a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
• Combine peanuts, sunflower seeds (or other nuts), raisins (or other dried fruit), oats, rice cereal and wheat germ or flax seed meal (if using) in a large bowl.
• Combine peanut butter, brown sugar and honey in a large microwaveable bowl and microwave on high or boil on stove top until bubbling (1 to 2 minutes).
• Add vanilla and stir until blended.
• Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until covered.
• Transfer mixture to the prepared pan. Press down firmly (It helps to coat your fingers with cooking spray). Let stand for about 1 hour to harden.
• Cut into bars.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER ENERGY BARS

Steps:

• Combine cereal, oats, dried fruit, peanuts and flax seed in a large greased (or sprayed) bowl.
• In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, peanut butter and honey over medium heat. Stir until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in cocoa.
• Pour chocolate mixture over cereal mixture and stir until evenly coated.
• Press into a greased (or sprayed) 9x13 pan. Chill before cutting.

PEANUT-BUTTER-CHOCOLATE-CHIP ENERGY BARS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch-square baking pan with vegetable oil and line the bottom with parchment paper.
• Put the oats, peanuts, peanut butter, sunflower seeds and dates in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
• In a bowl, whisk the eggs together with the salt and vanilla. Add the mixture to the food processor and pulse until it becomes a coarse, chunky paste. Fold in the chocolate chips with a wooden spoon. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and spread evenly, gently pressing down to flatten. Bake for 35 minutes, or until firm and golden.
• Cool and cut into 20 bars. The bars can be stored in an airtight container for a week in the refrigerator and a month in the freezer.