HOMEMADE ENERGY BARS

1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
• 1/4 cup whole flax meal
• 3 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1/4 cup sugar-free chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
• 1 large egg white
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease an 8" x 8" pan, or line it with parchment.

2) Toss together the oats, quinoa, flaxseed meal, chia seeds, chocolate chips, peanuts, and egg white in a medium-mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.

3) Warm the honey, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until well blended. Don't let it boil, just let it get warm and fluid enough to blend easily with the dry ingredients, 2 to 3 minutes.

4) Pour the honey mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is coated.

5) Press the mixture into the prepared pan.

6) Bake the bars for 23 to 25 minutes, or until the oats on the edges start to turn golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely before serving.

7) To serve, cut into squares.

Yield: 9 bars.

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