Meal Makeover: Bird Seed Bars

These no-bake bars are extremely easy to make, high in fiber and full of flavor. They make a fantastic breakfast-on-the-go or after-school snack.

Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

What you need:

2 cups whole grain cereal (flakes or squares), lightly crushed

2 cups whole oats

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup dried dates – chopped

1/2 cup raisins – chopped

1/3 cup almond nut butter

1/3 cup molasses

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon butter

2 tablespoons (or more) hot water

Directions:

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cereal, oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dates and raisins.

In a small saucepan, heat the almond nut butter, vanilla, butter and molasses. Stir while heating until warm and smooth. Be sure not to boil.

Pour the warm mixture into the dry cereal and stir to mix well.

Pour into a 9x13 size cake pan. Using damp fingers, press to pack down. Allow to cool completely then cut into squares.

Makes 24 servings.

As an Emmy-winning television producer and news anchor, Sara returned to her roots and became creator and host of two TV series for the Discovery Networks with practical advice on living green: "Living Fresh" and "Get Fresh With Sara Snow." Sara is a featured blogger on www.treehugger.com and her first book, "Sara Snow's Fresh Living" was released in March.