With the start of school comes after-school sports and activities. Treat the kids to homemade goodies that will help sustain their energy and keep them full.

This recipe is fast and easy to prepare, and the kids will have fun helping.

This particular recipe is slightly different from most energy bars because it calls for whole, unsalted, roasted nuts, which is a nice change from the usual peanuts and sesame seeds.

Energy Bars

2 cups quick oats
4 cups crisp rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies)
1 cup unsalted roasted nuts
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine
1 cup peanut butter
1 package (10 ounces) marshmallows
1 cup raisins or dried cranberries
In a large saucepan, heat oats, rice cereal and nuts over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes.
In a separate saucepan, melt butter, peanut butter and marshmallows over low heat; mix well.
Pour butter mixture and raisins or cranberries into the warm cereal mixture; mix well.
Press firmly into a 13-by-9-by-2-inch pan. Cool; cut into bars and wrap each bar in waxed paper. Makes 24 bars.

Approximate nutritional analysis, based on a 2-ounce bar: 270 calories, 17 g total fat, 6 g saturated fat, 20 mg cholesterol, 150 mg sodium, 27 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 13 g sugar, 6 g protein

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For more recipes from Hawaiian Electric Co.'s database of local-style dishes, visit www.heco.com.