Protein Oat Bars

My little sister gave me a recipe for some oat bars a while ago and I finally got around to making them. I modified the recipe to be more of a protein bar. They were a hit before our half marathon we ran over halloween. Try them and let me know what you think.

2 cup regular rolled oats
1 1/2 cups raisins
1/2 cup dried fruit mix (chop if the dried fruit is bigger pieces)
1 cup shredded unsweetened dry coconut
1 cup almonds (chopped)
1 cup walnuts (chopped)
2 Tbsp butter
4 scoops vanilla protein powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp clove
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup honey
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 1/4 cup chunky peanut butter or almond butter
1/4 - 1/2 package of semisweet chocolate chips


Spread oats in cookie sheet. Bake at 300 degrees in oven until oats are toasted (about 25 minutes) *stir frequently to prevent scorching
Mix together, raisins, coconut, almonds, walnuts, spices and protein powder.
Mix hot oats and dried fruit mixture.
Butter hot pan and set aside ( you can use a Silpat if you don't want to use butter)
In frying pan, combine the honey and sugar. Bring to rolling boil over med/high heat and quickly stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract. At once, purr over the oatmeal mixture and mix well. Quickly spread in the buttered pan and press into an even layer.
Let chill until firm, at least 4 hours or until the next day.
Cut into bars about 1 1/4 by 2 1/2 inches.
Melt chocolate chips. ( I used a mini melting pot) Drizzle over bars to liking. Let cool.
You can individually wrap bars in foil.
Store in refrigerator for up to 4 weeks: freeze to store longer.

*These make a great pre-race, mid-race or recovery snack.
ENJOY!