Lately, my older two have been heavily involved in the production of their school play. It is anticipated to be a wondrous work of art considering the amount and time put in by my children and various others. But being children, yes they do have bundles of energy but unlike adults they can also burn out quickly. As parents we are always tired but we somehow get through the day. With long days starting sometimes at 5.30, and finishing at 7 or 8 which involves a whole day at school, followed by practice and then followed by extra curricular activities, I worry about their health and general wellbeing. Lunch tends to be a rushed affair on a school step before they head for an afternoon of practice.

So therefore I was delighted to come across this energy busting snack, which tick my kids culinary choices, since there is chocolate, and also ticks mine since I can mix in a few oats and honey unbeknown to them. Safety tucked away in lunchboxes or enjoyed with a steaming hot cup of tea, these kid friendly energy bars are to be enjoyed by one and all. Trust me, when you’re a busy parent, you always need some energy!!!

Ingredients

·    1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
·    1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
·    1/4 cup honey
·    4 tablespoons unsalted butter
·    2 cups quick oats
·    1/2 cup crispy rice cereal
·    1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
·    A trail mixture of pebbles, peanuts, chocolate raisins

Method

1.    Combine brown sugar, peanut butter, honey and butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
2.    Bring sugar mixture just to a boil and then continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes stirring constantly.
3.    Stir in oats and crispy rice cereal until evenly coated.
4.    Place parchment paper in an 8x8 inch baking dish. Make sure the paper hangs over on either side so you can pull out the granola bars and cut them up with ease.
5.    Once mixture has cooled slightly, fold in trail mix and press into the prepared dish.
6.    Place dish into refrigerator and let bars set up for 1-2 hours.

Cut into bars and serve!

Text by Mayuri Jayasinghe