Sunday, July 5, 2015

Dried Fruit Flavored Granola Bars

Granola Bars can be a breakfast or a snack…it depends on how they are made. These bars are a great Gluten Free YogaLean grab-and-go breakfast, snack after athletic activities, or something to take with you on an airplane flight.

I make these each time I fly. I can take them on the plane with Justin’s Almond Butter single serve packages and some apple slices or carrot sticks to ensure I have healthy, gluten free options while I am in transit.

The recipe is simple and can be made many different ways so you will never get bored!

Ingredients:
2 cups oats
1/2 cup flax seed meal or ground flaxseed
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract or coconut extract or almond extract
3/4 cup honey
2 beaten eggs
1/2 cup olive, walnut, or coconut oil
Flavorings: 1/2 cup diced dried fruit (no sulphur dioxide or sugar added is best), mini dark chocolate chips, or chopped nuts
Spray for the 9 x 12 pan (olive oil or coconut oil)

Flavor Profiles to Try:
Vanilla Extract and Dates
Almond Extract and Dried Cherries (and/or Walnuts)
Almond Extract and Dried Figs
Coconut Extract and Dried Apricots
Coconut Extract and Dried Pineapple
Vanilla Extract and Dried Apple
Vanilla Extract, Dark Chocolate, and Walnuts


Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9" x 13" pan with spray olive oil or spray coconut oil
2. In a mixer or a large bowl, combine all the WET ingredients.
3. One at a time add the dry ingredients and incorporate.
4. Transfer the mixture to the greased pan. Pat the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-45 minutes depending on your oven. Check after 20 minutes and every 5 minutes thereafter. You are looking for the edges to turn GOLDEN.
5. Let cool before you cut and serve.

HINT: Cooking time for soft and chewy bars is 25-30 minutes for soft and chewy, 30-35 minutes for medium, 35-45 minutes for crunchy.