No-Bake Puffed Rice Protein Bars

These delicious little wonders were inspired by my granola-hating husband.  We are gearing up for a 3 week honeymoon in Hawaii, and we'll be doing lots of hiking/biking/kayaking, so I want us both to have clean, satisfying energy sources that are easy to pack and eat quickly. 

Ingredients:

• 3 c. Rice Krispies (or other puffed rice cereal)
• 1/4 c. Splenda Brown Sugar Blend
• 1/2 c. Stevia Simple Syrup (make syrup by boiling down 1 part Stevia to 4 parts water in any quantity you desire)
• 1/2 c. Natural Peanut Butter (unsweetened)
• 1 tsp. Vanilla
• 1/3 c. Mini Dark Chocolate Chips
• 2 scoops Vanilla flavored Whey Protein (or protein of your choice...I use MRM All Natural Whey)

**Other ingredients that may up the delicious-factor:  Raisins, Shredded Coconut, Chopped Nuts**

Instructions:

In a large bowl combine Rice Krispies and Chocolate Chips

In a small saucepan, combine Splenda Brown Sugar Blend and Stevia Simple Syrup and bring just to a boil (this picture shows the recipe made with honey, but I've since cleaned it up to lower the sugar content)

Stir in peanut butter and protein powder

Pour into bowl with Rice Krispies and Chocolate Chips

Stir quickly as it firms up fast!

Press into an 11" x 7" dish (sprayed lightly with cooking spray) and allow to cool

Cut into bars...for storage, I individually wrapped in waxed paper and stored in a sealed tupperware in the fridge.  They lasted about 10 days!