Granola Bars

Today's blog is brought to you by my friend, Jill. Credit goes to her for this yummy recipe. Aiden and I made these this morning and they were delicious. Even Tom, my pickiest who refuses to trade in his Quaker Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars for something healther, liked them. Next time I will probably skip out on the cranberries and try adding coconut. I didn't put nuts in this time, but next time I will try adding almonds for extra nutrition. Since the boys don't like nuts I think I could probably grind them into a fine powder using my awesome blender (thank you SO much, Tom!) before adding them in. Be creative and add in what you like. Aiden added extra chocolate chips. Since there isn't any sugar in these and they are full of healthy stuff I don't mind that Aiden's already eaten 2 today.

Ingredients:

1/3 c. honey

2 tbsp coconut oil, melted (or canola oil)

1 mashed banana (or 1/3 c. unsweetened applesauce)

1/3 c. unsweetened applesauce

1/3 c. peanut butter (I use homemade)

1 tsp vanilla

1 2/3 c. rolled oats

1/3 c. whole wheat flour

1/2 c. oat bran (or wheat germ)

1/4 c. flaxseed meal

1/4 tsp cinnamon

2/3 c. chopped nuts of choice (I usually use walnuts or almonds. Sometimes I do 1/3 c. nuts and 1/3 c. shredded unsweetened coconut for variation)

1/2 c. dried cranberries (or other dried fruit pieces)

1/2 c. chocolate chips (or more dried fruit)

Step One:

In a large bowl, beat together honey, oil, banana, applesauce, peanut butter, and vanilla.

Step Two:

Add in oats, flour, oat bran, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, nuts, fruit, and chocolate chips and mix until completely combined.

Step Three:

Press into a greased 13×9 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes or until edges are golden brown and the middle looks set. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

These keep very well in a sealed container for about a week at room temperature and also freeze great. Enjoy whenever you need a little wholesome snack!