Multigrain Energy Bars

1/4C Dried Tart Cherries (opt.)
1/4C Crasins (opt.)
1/4C Dried Blueberries (opt.)
1/4C Chocolate Chips (opt.)
1/4C Toasted Salted Sunflower Seeds (opt.)
(A total of 1 cup of mix in's)
2C Rolled Oats
1/2C Bob's Red Mill 7 Grain Cereal
1/2C Water (for the 7 Grain Cereal)
1/2C Honey
3/4 to 1C Natural Peanut Butter
1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
1 tsp Vanilla
1-2T Chocolate Chips


1. Toast the oats under a low broiler, allowing them to turn a light golden brown before removing. Set aside to cool. Or use 2 cups of this Granola recipe in place of the oats.
2. Combine mix in's and chop finely.
3. Combine mix in's, oats (or Granola) to a large bowl and mix well.
4. Bring the 1/2 cup of water to a boil in a small sauce pan. Add the 7-grain cereal, stir thoroughly, and remove from heat. Allow it to rest in the pan for 2 minutes. Add peanut butter, honey, salt, and vanilla to the pan and return to low heat, stir until well combined and warm.
5. Add the peanut butter mixture to the oat mixture and combine thoroughly.
6. Pour mixture into a medium baking dish. Cool for a bit then sprinkle the top of the mixture with
1-2T of Chocolate Chips.
6. Firmly press the mixture into the glass baking dish. Don't be shy about it. You want to compress it into the bottom of the dish so that the top becomes level. I use a flat metal spatula. Allow the dish to rest at room temperature for two hours or longer. The longer you wait, the firmer the bars will be when you cut them.
7. Cut into bars and enjoy. The bars should be firm enough to retain shape, but will give to pressure.
8. Wrap each bar individually and store in the fridge.