Signy's Homemade Power Bars

"It's great to have healthy snacks handy and it means I don't have to resort to 'power (read: sugar) bars' when my blood sugar levels drop. There are so few good snacks or quick food that you can buy when you're away from home, so I love having my own on hand. Signy Wilson, cancer survivor

Dry ingredients:
3 cups (750 ml) quick-cooking oatmeal
1 cup (250 ml) finely chopped dried apricots or any dried fruit
2 Tbsp (30 ml) sesame seeds
4 Tbsp (60 ml) sunflower seeds
4 Tbsp (60 ml) pumpkin seeds
2 Tbsp (30 ml) almond slivers
2 Tbsp (30 ml) ground flax seeds
4 Tbsp (60 ml) coconut
1 tsp (5 ml) cinnamon

Wet ingredients:
1/2 cup (125 ml) organic butter, melted over low heat, or cold-pressed walnut oil (preferred)
3/4 cup (185 ml) maple syrup
3/4 tsp (3 ml) salt
1 tsp (5 ml) lemon zest
1 1/2 Tbsp (22 ml) organic molasses
2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla

Heat oven to 350 F (180 C). In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients and set aside.
In a large heavy saucepan, heat oil or butter and stir in wet ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in dry ingredients, mixing well. Turn into 13- x 9-in (33- x 23-cm) baking pan and press mixture to form an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes. Cut into bars while still warm and allow to cool. Keep refrigerated. Serves 4.

Source: alive #258, April 2004