Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Energy Bars

Another variation of the "Energy Bars" here.  I bring two of these bars everyday in my lunch and have been doing so for 3 months now!  I have surprisingly not gotten tired of them.  Quite the opposite, I look forward to eating them.  That is how much a love them.  My original version was Mocha Macadamia Madness .   This variation is Oatmeal Rasian Cookie.  I have included cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in the recipe but you can vary that depening of which spices you like/dislike.  I know many people aren't into nutmeg.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Energy Bars

1 tbsp. coconut oil (or butter)

1/2 cup chopped brazil nuts
1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
2/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1 1/4 cups large flake oatmeal
1 1/2 cups crisp brown rice cereal (I used EnviroKids cocoa Koala Crisps)
1 cup raisins

1 cup brown rice syrup
1/4 cup cane sugar
1/2 tsp. fine grain sea salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nugget
1/8 tsp allspice
1tsp. vanilla extract

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with the coconut oil and set aside.  Spread nuts and coconut evenly on a cookie sheet and toast in the oven for 6 minutes or until coconut is a light golden brown.  To ensure even toasting move the mixture around with a spatula about half way through.

In a large bowl combine toasted nuts and coconut, oatmeal, brown rice cereal, and chocolate chips.  Set aside.

In a small pot combine brown rice syrup, salt, cane sugar, spices and vanilla.  Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it comes to a light boil and thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

Pour the warm brown rice syrup mixture over the dry ingredients.  Mix with a wooden spoon until evenly combined.  Pour this mixture into the greased baking pan and spread it out evenly.  I found that a wet tablespoon is a good tool to really press the mixture into the baking pan.

I liken the process of making these bars to making Rice Krispies squares. Add some sticky stuff to some cereal and press into a dish.

Put the baking pan in the fridge (or outside if it is cold day) to cool for 30 minutes.

 Cut into squares and store in layers separated by wax paper in the pantry.   End result is a dense, chewy, mouth watering bar that will fill you up for hours!

Makes 15 large bars.