Sister in Law's Powerbar Recipe

My sister in law is a personal trainer and health nut.  We tried going gluten free while I was trying to figure out some thyroid problems, and she shared this recipe with me, which is her favorite gluten free snack.  We are no longer doing a gluten free diet thanks to new thyroid medications that are working miracles, but I still love to make this snack.  One of my New Year's resolutions will be to bake more of our common needs such as breakfast food, bread, and snacks.  The snack baking kinda stumped me so I'm glad to have this healthy recipe to add to my baking list.  It's so easy, the kids love it, and its great to throw in the diaper bag for anywhere snacking.  Of course, Kian can't enjoy it for another year yet as it has honey in it.  Anyways, here's the recipe;

Rice Cereal Peanut Butter Bars

7 Cups rice cereal
2 Cups dried fruit
1 Cup nuts
1 1/2 Cups peanut butter
1 1/2 Cups honey
1 tsp. vanilla

Boil peanut butter, honey, and vanilla in saucepan.  Mix together rice cereal, nuts, and fruit.  Mix all ingredients together until everything sticks.  Add more honey if needed.  Put mixture in a 9x13 pan and smash down well.  Place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes or until set.  Take out of 9x13 and cut into squares.  Keep them refrigerated to keep their stiff consistency.

And since it's almost Christmas, I can't help but think that these pretty little bars would make a nice handmade treat for neighbors and friends.  A little switch from the same old cookies. 

I hope you try them and enjoy!