My boys are snackers. I’m a snacker. We love snacks, but after a while the trusty healthy snacks (i.e. fruits and veggies) can get a little boring. Other times we need something in a hurry. I often find myself buying pre-made snack bars like Lara Bar or Pure Bar, but they can get pricey. Last year I came across a great granola bar recipe. Made it. Tried it. It as ok. Tried it again with better results, but my boys were younger and all the nuts were a bit much for them. Last week I again found myself looking for some new portable snack foods. GRANOLA BARS! Of course! I searched my Evernote records and fumbled through my paper recipes, but couldn’t find the one I’d used before. On to experimentation! I mean that is half the joy of cooking, right? Thankfully this turn out to be successful on the first try.

Ingredients:

(Always use Organic and/or minimally processed ingredients when possible)

1/2 c  Rolled Oats (use GF oats if needed)
1/2 c  Raw Almonds
1/2 c Cashews (I used lightly salted/roasted as that was all my Trader Joe’s had a the time)
1/4 c Pecans
1/4 c Sunflower seeds
1 Tbs Chia seeds
2 tsp Cinnamon
2 pcs Dried Mango- cut into bite size pieces

1/3 c Coconut Oil
1/4 c Honey

In blender or food processor, lightly process  Almonds, Cashews, Pecans and Sunflower seeds until you have a super chunky “flour”. Combined Rolled Oats, Chia Seeds, Cinnamon and Mango with nut mixture in a medium bowl.

Melt coconut oil and honey over very low heat, if needed. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, and mix well. Once mixed, press firmly into 8×8 baking dish. Refrigerate for 30 minutes and enjoy!

Makes about 9 bars that can be individually wrapped and stored in fridge for a quick on the go snack!

There are so many options and modifications that can be made with these granola bars – dried cranberries or blueberries, organic dark chocolate chunks or raw cacao powder, pumpkin seeds instead of pecans with garlic and chili powder… the possibilities are endless!

What’s your favorite kind of granola?