granola bars

I love granola bars. They are the perfect breakfast on the road or afternoon snack. But have you ever read the ingredient list? There are sometimes over 30 ingredients, most of which I can’t even pronounce! A better way to get your granola fix is to make your own. The best part about making your own food is you know exactly what goes into it, no weird preservatives or artificial sweeteners. And you are free to substitute ingredients to make it your own. Here are my favorite granola bars.

2 cups oats

1 cup sliced almonds

1 cup shredded coconut

¾ cup pecans

3 tbsp coconut oil

2/3 cup agave nectar

¼ cup light brown sugar

¼ tsp salt

1 ½ tsp vanilla

1 cup dried fruit (a mix of apricots, prunes, pears, apples, or dates)

½ cup dried cranberries

½ cup chocolate chips

- Toss the oats, almonds, coconut, and pecans on a sheet pan and toast in a 350 degree oven until lightly golden. Once toasted transfer to a large bowl and reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees.

- In a small pan combine the coconut oil, agave nectar, light brown sugar, salt, and vanilla. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and pour over the oat and nut mixture.

- Mix in the dried fruits and chocolate chips. Mix well and press into a 13 by 9 inch parchment lined pan. You could also spread the mixture onto a sheet pan and make, stirring occasionally, to make regular granola instead of bars.

- Bake at 300 degrees until golden, about 30 to 35 minutes. Allow to cool completely before cutting.