Lunch Box Cereal Bars

Lunch Box Cereal Bars

2 1/2 cups toasted oat cereal rounds

2 cups mixed dried berry fruit or trail mix or equal amounts raisins, dried cranberries, dried cherries and dried blueberries

1 cup cornflakes

1 cup rice crisp cereal

1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/3 cup butter

1/3 cup corn syrup

1/4 cup liquid honey

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp vanilla

Grease 13" x 9" metal cake pan; set aside.

In large heatproof bowl, stir together oat cereal rounds, dried berry fruit mix, cornflakes,

rice crisp cereal and coconut.

In saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, honey and salt;

bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring often.

Boil, stirring constantly, until foamy, about 2 minutes.

Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.

Let stand for 1 minute.

Pour over cereal mixture; stir until evenly coated.

Scrape into prepared pan.

Using greased spatula, press firmly into even layer.

Let cool completely.

Cut into 18 bars.

(Make ahead: Layer between waxed paper in airtight container and store for up to 3 days or freeze.)

Makes 18 bars.

Per serving: 174 calories

Canadian Living's "Make it Tonight", pg 226