Crispy Peanut Bars Recipe from: Lynette Ryrie, Castlegar, BC

2 ½ cups crisp rice cereal
1 ¼ cups oats
1 cup chopped mixed dried fruit (apricots, dates, raisins, apples, cranberries, etc.)
1 cup chopped peanuts
¾ cup packed whole brown sugar
¾ cup creamy peanut butter
¾ cup liquid honey
½ cup cacao powder

13 x 9 inch (3.5 L) cake pan, lined with foil and greased

Combine first four ingredients in large bowl. Heat brown sugar, peanut butter and honey in small saucepan over low heat, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in cocoa powder. Pour over dry ingredients. Mix well. Press firmly into prepared pan. Refrigerate until set, about 1 hour. Remove from pan and peel off foil. Cut into bars.

VARIATION: Use a combination of fruits or one type only if you have a favorite.

TIP: Mix thoroughly so all dry ingredients are moistened. Mixture will seem a bit crumbly before pressing into pan.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Refrigeration time: 1 hour
Freezing: excellent

Makes about 3 dozen bars.

• Raisins – Thompson, Select
• Raisins – Thompson – ORGANIC
• Dates – Medjool, Large – ORGANIC
• Dates – Medjool, Large
• Dates - Deglet - ORGANIC
• Dates – Deglet, Pitted – ORGANIC
• Dates – Deglet, Pitted
• Dates – Barhi
• Apricots – Jumbo
• Apricots – ORGANIC
• Apple Rings