Granola Bars

Today is day 7 of the 30 day challenge...

We have both been struggling with the sweets. I decided to make granola bars to help us in that department. Not only does it help the craving for sweets, it's also good for you!


Here is my recipe if you're interested in making them.



Molasses Granola Bars


2 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick cook)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

6 pieces crystallized ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cloves
1/3 cup molasses
1/4 cup maple syrup
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup dates, pitted (you can use prunes)
2/3 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup unsalted pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup chopped dried pineapple
1/2 cup dried crasins

Directions:

In a food processor, combine the molasses, maple syrup, vanilla, and dates. Pulse three times. Add the cinnamon, ginger, salt, nutmeg, and cloves. Puree until mixture is smooth. Add the oats and pulse until the oats are coarsely chopped.

Remove the oat mixture from the food processor and transfer to a medium bowl, scrape the edges of the food processor to remove all of the mixture. Stir in the crasins, pecans, pineapple, and pumpkin seeds until well mixed.

Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper. Press the oat mixture into the baking pan until the mixture is evenly distributed throughout the pan and tightly packed.

Bake at 325 degrees F for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, cool in the freezer until the bars are firm. Lift the parchment paper out of the pan, remove, and cut into 8-14 bars.

Store bars in an airtight container for up to a week.

* You can really add any fruit...apricots are good....sunflower seeds instead of pumpkin would be good too. ENJOY!