With every diet, one should always partake in a bit of healthy indulgence. We are going to make Granola Bars!!! These delicious little wonders are by no means a health food, so don’t get too excited. This recipe is overrunning with flavor. It will leave you with a lot less guilt than that huge piece of chocolate cake you were raping with your eyes at dinner last night.

If you are following a strict diet, I would tread lightly because these bars are addictive. The toasted oats and spices fill you, while the raisins and dried apricots indulge that sweet tooth.  The candy-coated sunflower seeds give them a playful pop of healthy color. The recipe makes a 9 x 13 pan of mouth-watering treats. For the adventurous souls out there, add a cup of toasted coconut into the mix. Delicious!!!

Fruit and Grain Granola Bars

Ingredients:

3 Cups Rolled Oats

1 Tbsp Ground Cinnamon

¾ Cup AP Flour

½ Tsp Baking Soda

¼ Tsp Salt

12 Tbsp Unsalted Butter

1 Cup Packed Brown Sugar

¼ Cup Granulated Sugar

1 Tbsp Vanilla Paste

2 Eggs

½ Cup of each of the following; dried apricots, raisins, and golden raisins

1 Cup of Candy Coated Sunflower Seeds

Procedure:

1. Combine the cinnamon and the rolled oats in a large bowl. Toss the oats and cinnamon until the spice is evenly dispersed.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
3. Line a sheet pan with parchment, then pour the oat mixture onto the prepared pan.
4. Toasted the oats for 25 mins. Occasionally stir and move the oats to promote even toasting. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
5. In the bowl of an electric mixer, fitted with the flat beater, combine the butter and sugars on medium speed.
6. Add the vanilla, then increase the speed to high and beat until light and fluffy.
7. Reduce the speed down to low and incorporate the eggs one at a time. Incorporate the flour, salt, and baking soda. Turn off the mixer and scrap the sides of the bowl.
8. Return the mixer to low speed and pour in the oats, fruit, and sunflower seeds. After the batter is completely combined, return it to the lined baking sheet and press the bars into place.

***Tip Time: You can use a floured rolling pin to press the bars into submission. This method also ensures a more even pan of bars.

9. Bake 25 mins, rotating the pan halfway through baking. Remove the golden brown bars from the oven and allow to cool 30 minutes before portioning.

Glaze is optional but the recipe is 1 cup powdered sugar and 3 tbsp milk. Do so at your own risk!