Homemade Granola Bars

With four children I have to help pack 20 lunches per week and that is not including my own on the days I work.  I am always looking for healthy treats to pack in their lunches.  So imagine my excitement when I came across this recipe for homemade Luna bars.  Katie at chocolatecoveredkatie.com has created a recipe that is AWESOME!  In fact, the first time I made these, my hubby asked me to make him his own pan when it is his birthday.  They are literally so easy, I don't think I will make him wait!  They taste like rice cripy treats only they are healthy and do not have a bunch of chemicals in them.  My inspiration came when I started reading the labels of the granola bars on the shelves in the store.  YUCK!  Chemicals, additives, JUNK!  So (angels voices singing)  I found this recipe that saved the day... or at least the lunch hour slump.  I have doubled this recipe the last several weeks because I make a big batch and then freeze them in individual servings. 

Homemade Luna Bars

(Can be gluten-free!)

• 3 cups rice crispies (I used brown rice crispies)
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt (I used salted pb, too)
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons nut butter of choice
• 1/2 cup sticky sweetener, such as agave or brown rice syrup (I used agave)
• 2-3 tablespoons protein powder (I used Sun Warrior)
• melted chocolate chips or sprinkle chocolate chips on top

Mix your pb, sweetener, extract, and salt. Melt (either in the microwave or stove), then pour over the cereal and protein powder, and stir very well, making sure to coat all the crispies. Smash and smash the crispies. (Get mad; it’s fun!) Line a pan with wax paper and spread the mixture evenly into the pan. Place a sheet of wax paper on top of the mixture, then press down as firmly as you can. Really press it down! Spread the chocolate on top or sprinkle with chocolate chips, and freeze for at least a half hour before slicing.

I have also experimented with other cereals that were high fiber and used in combination with the brown rice crispies and it was still good and boosted the fiber content!  Have Fun!