Healthy Granola Bars

Most often, granola bars are laden with lots of extra sugar and less-than-good-for-you ingredients. The "healthy" part of them all but disappears at that point. Sure, there are a few good ones out there now, but they can be expensive. For the same price you can make an entire batch or more.

The best part is that the recipe below can be tweaked to your liking. Don't like dates? Sub in raisins. Want to cut back on the honey? Go for it. Got a thing against peanut butter? Well then you're crazy and I just can't help you. Or use a nut/seed butter. The possibilities are endless! Enjoy!

Healthy Granola Bars

Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients

• 1 cup dates
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup walnuts, roasted
• 1/2 cup peanuts, roasted
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats

Cooking Directions

1. Soak dates in water for 10 minutes.
2. Process dates in a food processor until small bits remain (about 1 minute). It should be able to roll into a ball, with a dough consistency.
3. Toast the oats at 350 F in the oven until slightly golden brown, about 15 minutes.
4. Place oats, nuts, and dates in a bowl.
5. Warm honey and peanut butter in a small pan over low heat. Stir and pour over oat mixture and then mix, breaking up the dates.
6. Once mixed, transfer to an 8x8 or 7x11 dish lined with parchment paper.
7. Press down until uniformly flat. Cover with parchment paper, and let set in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to harden.
8. Remove bars from pan and chop into 16 bars. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or wrapped up in the freezer.