I eat a lot of Z-bars (the kid version of Cliff bars). They have a great texture and are relatively low in calories ~120 cals? Plus, buying them at Costco also saves some money. It's very helpful if I wake up late and have to get breakfast on the go. But last night, I became pretty inspired to try making my own after watching an Good Eats episode called "Power trips" on the Food Network.

Protein Bars

Recipe courtesy Alton Brown, 2005

Prep Time:

25 min

Inactive Prep Time:

0 min

Cook Time:

35 min

Level:

Easy

Serves:

24 (2-inch) squares

4 ounces soy protein powder, approximately 1 cup

2 1/4 ounces oat bran, approximately 1/2 cup

2 3/4 ounces whole-wheat flour, approximately 1/2 cup

3/4-ounce wheat germ, approximately 1/4 cup

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

3 ounces raisins, approximately 1/2 cup

2 1/2 ounces dried cherries, approximately 1/2 cup

3 ounces dried blueberries, approximately 1/2 cup

2 1/2 ounces dried apricots, approximately 1/2 cup

1 (12.3-ounce) package soft silken tofu

1/2 cup unfiltered apple juice

4 ounces dark brown sugar, approximately 1/2 cup packed

2 large whole eggs, beaten

2/3 cup natural peanut butter

Canola oil, for pan

Line the bottom of a 13 by 9-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper and lightly coat with canola oil. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the protein powder, oat bran, wheat flour, wheat germ, and salt. Set aside.

Coarsely chop the raisins, dried cherries, blueberries and apricots and place in a small bowl and set aside.

In a third mixing bowl, whisk the tofu until smooth. Add the apple juice, brown sugar, eggs, and peanut butter, 1 at a time, and whisk to combine after each addition. Add this to the protein powder mixture and stir well to combine. Fold in the dried fruit. Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake in the oven for 35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 205 degrees F. Remove from the oven and cool completely before cutting into squares. Cut into squares and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Brown Rice Crispy Bar

Recipe courtesy Alton Brown, 2005

Prep Time:

15 min

Inactive Prep Time:

0 min

Cook Time:

9 min

Level:

Easy

Serves:

24 (2-inch) squares

3 ounces puffed brown rice, approximately 6 cups

3 tablespoons flax seed oil, plus extra for the pan

1 tablespoon orange blossom honey

7 ounces mini marshmallows, approximately 4 cups

3 ounces toasted slivered almonds, approximately 3/4 cup

1 1/2 ounces coarsely chopped dried cranberries, approximately 1/3 cup

1 1/2 ounces coarsely chopped dried cherries, approximately 1/3 cup

1-ounce dried blueberries, approximately 1/3 cup

Lightly coat the inside of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch metal pan with oil and set aside. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Spread the brown puffed rice evenly on a sheet pan. Toast in the oven for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. While the rice is toasting, prepare the marshmallow mixture.

Place the oil, honey, and marshmallows in a large mixing bowl set over a pot of gently simmering water. Stir until the marshmallows are melted, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Once the marshmallows are melted, quickly add the toasted brown rice, almonds, and fruit and stir to combine. Coat your hands or a spatula with oil and spread the mixture evenly into the pan. Once the mixture has cooled completely, cut into squares and store in an airtight container for 1 to 2 days.

DO YOU GUYS HAVE ANY GO-TO / FAVORITE ENERGY BAR RECIPES??