NO-BAKE ENERGY MONKEY BARS (a 2 banana difficulty level)

MONKEY BARS! I might need a whole section devoted to this...well at least a tag devoted to this! One of my favorite cookies growing up was some sort of no-bake variety. It probably came from the side of Hershey's Cocoa because I seem to remember it having Hershey's Cocoa and some peanut butter and probably sugar. I came across this not too long ago. Similar in concept to the no-bake cookie from my youth, but branded as an "energy" bar.

Hey, do you know the difference between a candy bar and an energy bar? Usually about a buck...hey-O!

It has the flexibility to substitute many of the ingredients with other ingredients that are similar in nature.

Today, 'this monkey' will show you how to make NO-BAKE ENERGY MONKEY BARS...let's get started!

WHAT YOU NEED:
1 c Rolled Oats (I used rye rolled oats because that's what I had. Old-fashioned oats are probably the most common)
2/3 c Unsweetened Shredded Coconut (toasted) - Coconut flakes can be used
1/2 c Almond Butter (or peanut butter)
1/2 c Ground Flaxseed
1/2 c Cacao nibs (or choc chips or Reese's peanut butter chips)
1/3 c Honey
1 T chia seeds (optional)
1 t Vanilla

WHAT ELSE YOU NEED:
Medium size mixing bowl
Large spoon
8x8" non-stick pan

WHAT YOU DO:
1. Place ALL ingredients in the medium bowl and mix well.

2. Place in 8x8" non-stick pan & press into the bottom. You can use a glass pan lined with wax paper.

I increased the ingredients by 50% in order to use a bigger pan.

 Also, I added BOTH PB chips AND cacao nibs

3. Cover tightly and refrigerate AT LEAST 1 hour, preferable overnight.

4. Serve and enjoy!

Pretty simple stuff! Flexible and delicious! These are a bit more healthy than straight cookies, but you don't want to consider them a health food.

Until next time...your favorite neighbor-web monkey!