Cranberry-Walnut Power Bars

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 350.
2. 2
   Lightly spray an 8-by-11-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
3. 3
   Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast until fragrant and golden, about 9 minutes.
4. 4
   Let cool, then coarsely chop.
5. 5
   Transfer the walnuts to a large bowl.
6. 6
   Add the puffed rice, rolled oats, cranberries, oat bran and ginger and toss well.
7. 7
   In a small saucepan, combine the brown rice syrup, cane sugar and salt and bring to a boil over moderate heat.
8. 8
   Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is slightly thickened, about 4 minutes.
9. 9
   Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
10. 10
    Pour the syrup into the rice-oat mixture and toss to coat thoroughly.
11. 11
    Transfer the warm mixture to the prepared baking dish and pack lightly with a spatula greased with cooking spray.
12. 12
    Let cool for at least 45 minutes before cutting into 16 bars.