Fruit and Nutty Breakfast Bars

Serves 8

Ditch your packaged bars and make the switch to a home-baked alternative – you’ll save money while trading up to wholesome, un-processed goodness.

These tasty bars are easy to make and a great source of nutrition for a healthy nosh on-the-go.

And if you haven’t tried spelt flakes yet, here’s your chance!  Higher in iron than rolled oats, but similar in taste and fiber-content, spelt makes a hearty oatmeal-style breakfast dish as well.

Time saving tip:  double the recipe and freeze the rest!

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp. walnut or sunflower oil
• 1 ¼ c. spelt flakes
• ½ c. raisins or dried cranberries
• ¼ c. pecans
• 2 Tbsp. sunflower seeds
• ¼ chopped almonds, raw or toasted
• ½ c. honey
• ¼ c. natural creamy peanut butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• ½ tsp. salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.  Line an 8×8 baking dish with waxed paper.  (Eco-friendly paper goods manufacturer Natural Value has a great green alternative to standard waxed, which contains petroleum by products).
2. In a bowl combine spelt, dried fruit and nuts and salt.  Set aside.
3. In a small saucepan combine honey peanut butter, oil and vanilla.  Cook over medium heat until melted.  Pour mixture into dry ingredients and stir to combine.  Transfer mixture to baking dish and smooth the top to even.  Bake for 20-25 minute until golden.  Cool completely in pan.   Cut into bars and store in an airtight container for up to one week.