Homemade Maple Granola Bars

In an effort to eat healthier I decided to not eat sweets for a while. But I have a wicked sweet tooth. So I made my own granola bar. And let me tell you it is the BEE'S KNEES! It is chewy, naturally sweet and even though very healthy it doesn't taste like a bar of greens. This is the kind of bar that your kids will love. Feel free to tweak the recipe if you are more or less of a health nut, but I definitely will encourage you to try just as it is.

Chewy Maple Granola Bars

2 cups old fashioned rolled oats

½ cup sunflower seeds (unsalted)

2/3 cup sliced almonds

½ cup chopped walnuts

1/3 cup flax seed

½ cup wheat germ

1/3 cup honey

1/3 cup grade A maple syrup

¼ cup molasses

¼ cup olive oil

Pinch of salt (optional)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup dried fruit (mixed fruit of choice)

Spray a 9x9 glass dish lightly with baking spray and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Spread the oats, sunflower seeds, almonds, wheat germ, nuts and flax seed onto a half-sheet pan. Place in the oven and toast for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.  In the mean time in a sauce pot mix honey, maple syrup, molasses, olive oil, salt and vanilla. Stir until well combined and the color is a golden brown.

Once oven mix is done immediately mix with sauce pot mixture and add dried fruit. Lower oven to 300 degrees F.

Place in glass dish and press down to shape. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. Allow to cool completely and cut into squares. Can be stored up to a week in an air tight container.