Packed with protein and fiber from beans and oats, these bars make great lunchbox treats or an afternoon snack.

Beananza Bars

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
2/3 cup quick-cooking oats
1 cup natural wheat and barley cereal (Grape Nuts)
1 (15-ounce) can Pinto or Great Northern beans or 1 1/2 cups cooked dry-packaged Pinto or Great Northern beans, rinsed, well drained, coarsely chopped
3/4 cup dark raisins
3/4 cup chopped dates
1 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
7 tablespoons melted margarine or butter
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt

1. Combine flour, brown sugar, oats, cereal, beans, raisins, dates, coconut, and walnuts in large bowl. Add remaining ingredients, mixing well. Press mixture evenly into greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
2. Bake at 350ºF (175ºC) until bars are browned and firm to touch in center, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool completely before cutting.

Makes 32 to 36 bars.

Tips: 1 2/3 cups low-fat granola cereal can be substituted for oats and natural wheat and barley cereal. Use a pastry cutter to chop beans quickly and easily.

Nutrient Information Per serving: Per serving: Calories 134; Fat 4g; % Calories from Fat 27; Carbohydrate 23g; Folate 13mcg; Sodium 103mg; Protein 2g; Dietary Fiber 2g; Cholesterol 0mg

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of The Bean Education & Awareness Network.