Jim Frame's Bran Bars

Ingredients:

• 2/3 c. chunky peanut butter
• 1/4 c. honey
• 1 c. roasted peanuts
• 1 c. dried currants
• 1 c. uncooked rolled oats
• 1 c. wheat bran
• 1 c. Puffed Kashi (a multigrain puffed cereal, but you can substitute puffed rice)
• 1 c. Grape Nuts
• 1/2 c. water
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

Chop or grate the peanuts; if you omit this step, the bars are difficult to cut and tend to fall apart easily. A food processor works fine.

Combine the chopped peanuts and currants, set aside.

Combine dry ingredients and set aside.

Combine peanut butter, honey, water and vanilla extract in a large pot. Slowly bring to a boil, stirring constantly to avoid sticking or burning. Boil until mixture thickens to the consistency of thick gravy. Remove from heat. Add peanuts and currants, mix thoroughly. Same with the dry ingredients. (Use a stout spoon, as the mixture gets pretty stiff.)

Spread the mixture into a lightly oiled baking dish. Pack the mixture down to eliminate air pockets (a lightly oiled rubber spatula works well for this). Cut into squares. Refrigerate.

Makes about 24 bars.