Bubble Bars

I've been yammering on to just about anybody who'll listen about some protein bars I made recently (I'm sure Crossing Guard Man is tired of hearing about them and maybe would like a sample instead??). I've had a few requests for the recipe so, here goes...


Bubble Bars

1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 heaping scoops whey protein powder (I used 365 Vanilla Whey Protein)
2 Tbsp. brown rice syrup
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups rolled oats (I pulsed these in the food processor to chop them up a little)
1 1/4 cups crispy rice cereal (I used the brown rice kind from Whole Foods)
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 cup chocolate chips

In a large bowl, cream sugars and butter until fluffy. Add protein powder, brown rice syrup, vanilla and egg. Mix well. Blend in flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Stir in remaining ingredients. Press firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.

These turned out so great! I don't even have any pictures because I had to hurry and wrap 'em up and freeze them before BB could eat the whole pan (he ate about HALF in one evening...oink!). I needed something to tide Big E over her 5+ hour gap between breakfast and lunch that would keep her going. So, a little sugar (OK, a bit more than 'a little'), some oats & rice, extra protein, and Bubble Bars are born. The protein adds an extra 32 grams per batch (16 good size bars), so it's not like they're fully loaded with protein, but it's something. I think I'll try 3 scoops next time. I tried it in waffles this weekend and it was fine. The key is to not refer to them as "protein bars", they are strictly BUBBLE BARS. I can't let the kids believe for even a second that these are anything besides a huge treat and that I am the COOLEST mom for sending a big ol' cookie for snack every day. Bwa-ha-ha! My evil plans continue...