PB and J cereal bars

I used to buy boxes of Trader Joe’s cereal bars by the dozen. The only problem was that my kids would eat one and immediately ask for another. And I would bring one to work everyday and feel pretty much the same.

…Until I made my own. These bars are just as yummy and fill us all up. And, you know what’s better than a Trader Joe’s cereal bar? A peanut butter and jelly cereal bar!

You can substitute any nut butter for the peanut butter.

PB&J CEREAL BARS
3 T whole flax seeds or 2T ground flax seeds (A “flax egg.” You could skip the flax and just use an egg, though)
1/4 cup water
2 cups old fashioned oats
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1t baking powder
1/2t salt
1/2t cinnamon
1/4 cup honey
3T maple syrup
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup jelly
1/4 cup peanuts (optional)

Grind the flax seeds, if you only have whole ones (I put them in a a baggie and pound them with a heavy object!) and combine it with the water. Let mixture sit for a few minutes. Process your oats in the food processor until fine. Add flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Transfer dry mixture to a bowl and add honey, syrup, peanut butter and flax mixture. Combine thoroughly and spread evenly in a baking pan. Smear jelly on top and sprinkle crushed peanuts on top. Bake for 20 minutes at 375. Let cool and cut into bar-size pieces.