Fruits 'n Nuts Granola Bar

Hello Friends!

I had the itch to bake again this weekend and I finally got to bake these savory and sweet bars on Monday.

 I already had two of these today, and two Monday...((pace yourself Amanda.)) 


These flavorful bars are semi-healthy, but you can make them healthier by substituting the butter for a banana.  I actually intended on using banana, but the ones I saw at the store looked awful!

The combination of protein, fruit and chocolate make these a perfect post-run treat.  Basically I am excited about my run tomorrow so I have an excuse to mow another one down.

It will be my first run since my first 10K on Saturday, so that is also a little exciting with my new-found confidence in my running.  But maybe not as exciting as this salty and sweet creation.

Fruits 'n Nuts Granola Bar {Print Recipe}
Adapted from my Homemade Scotchie Granola Bars

Ingredients:

• 3 TBS Chia seeds + 9 TBS warm water to make Chia gel 
• 1/2 cup butter, slightly melted 
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp raspberry extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups crunchy peanutbutter
• 4 + 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder 
• 1 cup chopped craisins
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips (with a heavy hand if you love chocolate like me...)

 How To:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, sugar, chia gel, and almond extract. (I need a larger one...if you have an extra...send it my way.  Thanks!)
2. Add crunchy peanutbutter.
3.  Try to distribute baking powder and baking soda into the mix evenly.
4. Add oats.  Fold in chocolate chips and craisins.
5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
6. Smoosh dough onto a 8x11 cake pan.
7. Pack down HARD!
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until edges are a little brown.
9. Wait 10-15 minutes before cutting.  Cut into granola bars OR use the crumbled bits for granola on yogurt, icecream and more!

Okay, time to watch Chopped!  ((addicted))


Have a great night friends!

*~Amanda aka Semi-Health Nut~*

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