Homemade Power Bars

Ingredients

• Coconut oil, for greasing
• 1 c. walnuts, chopped
• 1 c. chopped almonds
• 2/3 c. unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 1/4 c. rolled oats
• 1 1/2 c. unsweetened crisp brown rice cereal
• 1 c. brown rice syrup
• 1/4 c. natural cane sugar (sugar in the raw)
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 2 Tbsp espresso powder
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 c. mini chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat your over to 350. Generously grease a 9x13 pan with coconut oil and set aside. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss walnuts, almonds and coconut. Toast in the over for 5-7 minutes, until coconut is golden. Toss a few times to avoid the nuts and coconut burning.
2. In large bowl, combine toasted nuts, coconut, oats and cereal. Mix well. It is easier to evenly distribute the ingredients now, then it will be after pouring the syrup over them.
3. On the stove, in a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the wet ingredients (brown rice syrup - vanilla). I find it easiest to handle/measure/pour the brown rice syrup if I heat it up for a few seconds in the microwave first. Bring mixture to a slow boil, stirring constantly. Continue to cook, while stirring, another 4-5 minutes, until the syrup thickens slightly. Remove from heat and pour over nut/oat mixture. Stir (slow and gentle!), until syrup covers the nuts and oats completely.
4. Pour into prepared pan and lightly push down. Wait a few minutes for mixture to cool, then sprinkle chocolate chips on top and lightly push into bars. Let cool to room temperature (a few hours). Flip out onto cutting board and cut into 16-24 bars.