Love chocolate? These brownie-like bars have protein, nutrition and a great chocolate-y taste! They are perfect to pack for your next adventure.

Chocolate Energy Bars

• 6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup dry non-fat milk
• ¼ cup ground flax
• ¼ cup toasted wheat germ
• ¼ cup soy flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• ½ cup Egg beaters or egg whites (4)
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/3 cup chopped dried cherries (add more if you love them)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Melt the chocolate chips and butter together in a microwavable dish, in a microwave oven. It may take 45 seconds or more. Blend well and set aside. Combine dry ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl: oats through walnuts and mix well. In a large bowl, lightly beat the egg whites and add the sugar and vanilla and beat. Stir in the flour mixture and chocolate mixture and fold in the chopped dried cherries. Pour chocolate mixture into an 8 x 8-inch pan that has been lightly sprayed with baking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. Cool completely before cutting. This recipe makes an even dozen. (They can be deliciously fudgy, but you may wish to cut them and chill in the refrigerator to make a little more neat & pack-able.)