What is a “Power” Bar, anyway?

“Power” bars make me hesitant. I just can’t believe that the little squares of grains and dried fruit, albeit delicious, will grant me “power.” To explain, I went to the dictionary:

Power is defined as (1) The ability to do or act; capability of doing or accomplishing something—OK, “power” bar, you have me there. Your yummy carbohydrates do motivate me for a short period of time, and every once in a while, I accomplish something with that burst of sugar.

(2) Political or national strength: the balance of power in Europe—Haha, showed you bar! A “power” bar will definitely not grant me political strength, and they will not keep Europe balanced. I don’t think Europeans even eat “power” bars.

(3) The great or marked ability to do or act; strength; might; force—Touche. I do get a bit of strength, but seriously “power” bar, I think you are exaggerating.

(4) The possession of control or command over others; authority; ascendancy: power over men’s minds—“Power” bar, if you could do this, I would buy you a beer. I’d buy you the beer factory.

(5) Legal ability, capacity, or authority—I’m not sure I know what this means, but I ain’t got it.

(6) A military or naval force—I don’t think my “Power” bar has very good military skills, he’s kind of a hippy.

(7) Energy, force, or momentum—Okay, okay, you get this one too, “power” bar, but it’s really just (1) and (3) worded a bit differently, don’t you think?

The list goes on and on, well for another 23 entries for “power” ranging from electrical units to orders of angels, and I’m convinced that my “power” bars will neither make me electrical or angelic (certainly not the latter.) But while I will not be granted the power to rule countries or read men’s minds, these power bars are pretty tasty. And maybe I’ll feel empowered enough to do some laundry, too.

Power (in a sense) Bars

These bars can be easily molded to your liking—exchange any ingredients you don’t like with comparable or it’s in-season counterparts.

Time: About 15 minutes, or as quickly as you can get out all of the ingredients!

Makes about 20 thick bars.

• 3 cups crisped rice (a much more mature way of saying Rice Krispies)
• 3  cups rolled oats
• 1 cup toasted wheat germ
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups dried cranberries
• 1 ½ cups raisins
• 2 mashed bananas
• 1 cup chunky natural peanut-butter
• 3 Tbsp shredded coconut
• OPTIONAL: 2 Tbsp protein powder

1. Bring corn syrup and vanilla to a boil in small saucepan.
2. Mix all other ingredients in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
3. Add just boiling syrup to large bowl and combine very well.
4. Spread mixture into a greased baking pan—let cool completely and then cut into 20 bars. Will keep for about two weeks when individually wrapped.

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