Peanut Salvage Bars

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup toasted wheat germ
• 1/4 cup shelled sunflower seed
• 1/2 cup shelled peanuts
• salt
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
• 2 cups puffed rice cereal (I used puffed brown rice cereal)
• 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. 2

   If using raw wheat germ, spread it on a baking sheet and toast for a few minutes until fragrant.

3. 3

   Spread the sunflower seeds and the peanuts in an even later on separate baking sheets and toast in the oven - the sunflower seeds will take about 6 minutes and the peanuts will take 15 to 20 minutes. Remove and let cool; salt the peanuts lightly.

4. 4

   Mix the wheat germ, sunflower seeds, peanuts, raisins, oats, and puffed rice in a large bowl. In a separate bowl that fits your microwave, mix the peanut butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup; microwave on high for 2 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and stir until well blended. Pour over the dry ingredients and fold in until everything is evenly coated.

5. 5

   Grease an 8-inch-square baking pan and transfer the mixture from the bowl. Cover the surface with waxed paper and press it down firmly. Refrigerate until completely cool. Cut into eight 2x4-inch bars.