Yellow school buses seem to be everywhere the day school starts, almost as if they come out of hiding and take over our streets. The other day, when I was driving my son to school, we approached the red light and stopped right next to one of those big yellow buses. And that’s when I noticed the 8 1/2 X 11 sign right by the door:
Now, I’m a neat freak. I always have been and always will be, so I can understand why the bus driver wants no mess in his bus.
But I wondered, what I would do if I was hungry and riding that bus? And then I thought about these energy bars with peanuts, peanut butter, fruity bits of golden and black raisins, brown sugar, and a hint of honey, and I was really glad I wasn’t on the bus. Because I know these yummy bars would have gotten me into trouble!.
Enjoy!
Peanut Energy Bars
Makes 16 bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup low salt roasted peanuts
- 1 cup yellow raisins
- 1 cup black raisins
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups toasted rice cereal (Rice Krispies or TJ Crisp Rice Cereal)
- 2 tablespoon wheat germ
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
You’ll also need a 9-by-13-inch baking pan lightly coated with cooking spray
In a large bowl mix together the first seven ingredients.
In a separate bowl mix peanut butter, sugar and honey. Microwave on high until 1 or 2 minutes. Add vanilla and stir until well combined. Pour mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Spread and press down firmly with a spatula. Let stand for an hour to harden and cut into bars. Wrap in plastic and keep at room temperature for up to a week.
Adapted from Amy Harrison’s recipe
