Peanut Butter Cocoa Bars

My oldest daughter, as I've mentioned before, is a gymnast.  With the moving up a level this summer, is now at the gym 14 hours a week - and starting in September will be there 16.5 hours a week.   She's also tall.  And did I mention SKINNY!  Well, fit.  But I'm always asked if I feed her or not?  Believe me, this kid can EAT, although you'd never know it.  Not an ounce of fat on her.

I'd like to say she's a picky eater.  But I think that would be unfair.  She's a GOOD eater.  She doesn't eat the normal kid foods:  pizza, pasta, mac & cheese, etc.  However, give her asparagus, and she gobbles it up.  A salad with grilled chicken, that too.  Oh....and her favorite,  "Mom, can I make myself a bowl of peas".  "No, dear, you may not eat vegetables", said no mom.  Ever.

Anyway, she also does not like the normal kid-food snacks like granola bars.  Which is a blessing and a curse.  I'm always aching to get more protein in her - sneaking it if I have to.   This recipe is an adaptation of a Weight Watchers recipe from the 90's.  It's calorie dense, but also nutrient rich.  And when you make them yourself using Aldi ingredients, it's also very inexpensive.

We've tried with a variety of cereals - we like Corn Flakes best, or a combo of that with Bran Flakes.

Also, note, if your Aldi does not (or is not selling them right now) the mini chocolate chips, you can use regular, just place in a zippy bag and whack with a meat mallet or something to break up a little bit.

Peanut Butter Cocoa Bars

1 1/2 Cups Berry Hill Crunchy Peanut Butter (or a combo of 1 cup crunchy, 1/2 cup creamy)
2 Cups Millville Cornflakes, crushed - crush AFTER measuring.
2 packets Hot Cocoa (I used the one with marshmallows, for fun!)
3 Tbs Golden Nectar Honey (you can adjust this to taste)
1/2 Cup Baker's Corner Mini-Chocolate Chips (these are available seasonally)

Mix all ingredients together well and press into a wax-paper lined 8X8 or 9X9 square pan.   Place in refrigerator to set about 1 hour.  Cut into bars.  Wrap individually in wax paper and place in a container or bag and either fridge or freeze.  If you freeze they'll last longer.  I sometimes will give her one frozen in her lunch and it will thaw by lunch time. :)

Also note - if you're really trying to sneak protein, substitute the hot cocoa with a protein powder.