Backpacker Bars

Prep 20 min
Total 1 hr 50 min
Servings 24

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These versatile bars are at home in lots of places. Try one for a quick energy boost, a brown-bag treat, an after-school snack or anytime--it's just plain good!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups (375 mL) Golden Grahams* cereal
3/4 cup (175 mL) granulated sugar
3/4 cup (175 mL) packed brown sugar
3/4 cup (175 mL) butter or margarine, softened
1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (175 mL) quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda
1/2 tsp (2 mL) baking powder
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1 cup (250 mL) chopped peanuts
1 cup (250 mL) semisweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp (30 mL) quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats

Steps

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1

Heat oven to 350ºF. Crush cereal. Mix sugars, butter, vanilla and eggs in large bowl. Stir in flour, cereal, 3/4 cup oats, the baking soda, baking powder and salt. Stir in 3/4 cup of the peanuts and 2/3 cup of the chocolate chips.
2

Spread in ungreased rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup peanuts, remaining 1/3 cup chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons oats.
3

Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely, about 1 hour. For 24 bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows.

Substitution: One cup chopped walnuts instead of the peanuts gives these satisfying bars a slightly different flavour.
How-To: Place cereal in a plastic resealable food-storage bag or between sheets of waxed paper or plastic wrap; crush with a rolling pin. Or crush cereal in a blender or food processor.