Protein Bars

I've been looking for a good protein bar recipe - I have a favorite granola bar recipe that is good but always seems to fall apart, so I wanted something that would hold together and would be good for a quick burst of energy before workouts, or for something to help rebuild tired muscles after a workout. Problem is, many of the protein bar recipes seem to be filled with weird stuff. And when I'd make them, they would taste, well, on the odd side. But I've found one that I think will reduce my dependency on purchasing Cliff bars forever. And it's very easy to make. I was a little deterred by the fact that it was a no-cook recipe, but it actually tastes pretty good. You could add things, too - a couple spoonfuls of flaxseed or anything else you'd like to see in a protein bar.

Protein Bars

2 cups regular oats
1 cup whey protein (I used Whole Foods vanilla flavor)
2 Tblsp. ground flaxseed
1/3 cup cranberries
1/4 cup almonds
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

2-3 Tblsp. peanut butter or almond butter
1/8 cup agave
1/4 cup milk (could be almond or soy)
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup applesauce

Mix first six ingredients in a bowl. In a separate microwaveable bowl, mix the next six ingredients and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir. If not melted, microwave another 15 seconds.
Mix wet and dry ingredients together and press into an 8x11 pan covered with parchment paper. Refrigerate for 20 minutes, then cut into bar shapes. Store individually wrapped in the refrigerator.