The "Much-Needed Boost" Energy Bars

These treats are packed with protein and perfect for an afternoon slump or a mid-workout energy boost...

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup regular oats

1/2 wheat germ

1/2 cup Go Lean Crunch Cereal (Kashi) or plain Chex Cereal

1/2 cup Heart-to-Heart Kashi Cereal

3 TB flax seed (ground or regular)

3 TB Chia seeds

3 TB pumpkin seeds

3 TB chopped almonds

1/4 cup dark chocolate (if you would like a chocolate fix)

Pinch of salt

Pinch of cinnamon (more like a shake)

1. In a saucepan at low heat, allow peanut butter and honey to simmer and become well incorporated. Once warm and has become more liquidy, remove from heat. About 8 minutes. Be sure to watch the mixture as it heats, the peanut butter burns easily.

2. Meanwhile, mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl.

3. Add peanut butter and honey mixture (while it's still warm) to the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix together until the peanut butter and honey mixture is spread evenly among the dry ingredients.

4. Spread onto a medium size cookie tray and press with a spatula. Let cool for a couple of hours before cutting. Cut into the size you would prefer to snack on when needing a midday treat or mid-workout energy boost.