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Sid's Homemade Power Bars

Originally Posted By: Haiwee

Have been refining this one for years; I think it's now close to perfection. Taste pretty good and loaded with nutrients: 648 calories per bar, 16 grams protein, 85 grams carbs, 34 grams fat, 7 grams fiber and just a bit over 8mg of sodium.

Power Bar (8 bars)

1/4 C. each of: sesame seeds, unsalted raw cashews, unsalted raw peanuts, pine nuts, unsalted almonds, flax seeds and raw unsalted sunflower seeds.
1/2 C. dates (try to find softer ones or risk the wrath of the wife when you destroy her food processor)
1 C. dried bananas
1 C. raisins
1/2 C. dried cranberries
1/2 C. soy protein mix
1 C. Henry’s seven-grain cereal, or one cup rolled oats
1/3 C. maltodextrin
1/2 C. honey
1/2 C. olive oil

Working in batches, grind all dry ingredients in food processor. Combine, then mix in honey and olive oil. Push into greased baking sheet until the mixture is about 1/2 inch thick and bake at 325 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, or until edges have browned. Cool completely before cutting into 8 bars.

You can of course substitute almost any dried fruit to taste, but the ratio of nuts to fruit is just about perfect to make bars that will hold together and not crumble apart. Make sure you grind the stuff well; larger chunks lead to crumbling. I add the maltodextrin and soy protein for an added boost of carbs and protein.