Plum Sweet Chewy Cereal Bars

Plum Sweet Chewy Cereal Bars:

1 cup Special K Protein Flakes or other flakes of choice

1 cup Rice Krispies cereal

1/3 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/4 cup roasted, unsalted pumpkin seeds (shelled)

12 or so whole pitted prunes (dried plums), chopped to obtain 2/3 cup

1 egg white or 2 tbsp. liquid egg whites

2 tbsp. honey

2 tbsp. agave nectar

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Generously coat an 8-cavity (each approximately 2.5” x 3.5”dimension) mini loaf pan with cooking spray.

Place corn flakes in a plastic bag. Crush with fingers to obtain coarse crumbs. Place in a large bowl. Add the remaining dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients. Add to dry, stirring to thoroughly incorporate. Divide equally into mini loaf pan. Press down firmly with fingers to compact cereal mixture. Each cavity should be just over half full. Cover loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes. For softer and chewier bars, use the shorter baking time. Allow to cool and firm up 15 minutes before unmolding. Store in an airtight container. Makes 8 mini loaf pan size.

Note: A 12-cavity muffin pan may be used. Adjust baking time for 9 to 11 minutes. Makes 12.