These nutritious muesli bars are a healthy alternative to commercially made varieties that are full of sugar and saturated fats. These delicious bars are packed with protein, beneficial fats and complex carbohydrates to keep active kids going throughout the day. Balanced with puffed rice and a mix of nuts, these bars have a lovely light and crunchy texture.

?? cup (83 ml/3 fl oz) light olive oil
1/2 cup (125 ml/41/2 fl oz) raw organic honey
1/2 cup (125 ml/41/2 fl oz) almond butter or tahini
11/2 cups (45 g/11/2 oz) puffed brown rice
2 cups (200 g/7 oz) rolled oats (GF: flaked millet or quinoa)
1 cup (170 g/6 oz) crushed mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, walnuts or pecans)
2 tablespoons sun-dried sultanas or date – optional

Preheat oven to 160oC (325oF/Gas 2). Line a slice tray with baking paper (or for individual muesli cups place muffin cases in a 12-hole muffin tray).
In a small saucepan add oil, honey and nut butter and place over a medium heat. Stir until melted and well combined.
Place oats, puffed rice, nuts and sultanas in a large bowl and combine well.
Pour honey mixture over oats and stir until oats are well coated.
Pour mixture into slice or muffin tray and press down firmly. Bake for 30 minutes. Leave to cool then place in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting into bars, to prevent crumbling.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Makes 12 bars.

Variation: Add 1/4 cup of crushed, unsweetened carob buds to mixture or drizzle melted carob over cooled bars.