A healthy easy snack is always appreciated when you have no appetite. Kalen and Josh made these for me when they were here. I cut them into 1′ squares and keep them in the freezer to grab when I am not hungry but know I should eat something. Cory came to visit and I gave him some….here is the recipe.
This recipe is adaptable in dozens owritten it is the version Josh and Kalen made.
1 2/3 cups quick rolled oats (if gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free oats)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup oat flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (i didn’t like the cinnamon with the peanut butter, I would leave one or the other out, up to you)
2 to 3 cups dried fruits and nuts (total of 10 to 15 ounces)*
1/3 cup peanut butter or another nut butter — we used peanut
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 tablespoons melted vegan smart balance (or oil, or butter, your choice)
1/4 cup honey, maple syrup or corn syrup– we used honey
2 tablespoons light corn syrup –left out we added extra honey
1 tablespoon water
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8″ x 8″ x 2″ pan in one direction with parchment paper, allowing it to go up the opposing sides. Lightly grease the parchment paper and the exposed pan, or coat with a non-stick spray.
Stir together all the dry ingredients, including the fruit and nuts. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vanilla, melted butter or oil, liquid sweeteners and water. Toss the wet ingredients with the dry (and peanut butter, if you’re using it) until the mixture is evenly crumbly. Spread in the prepared pan, pressing them in firmly to ensure they are molded to the shape of the pan.Ppress down really hard, pack it down!
Bake the bars for 30 to 40 minutes, until they’re brown around the edges . They’ll still seem soft and almost underbaked when you press into the center of the pan but do not worry, they’ll set completely once completely cool.
Cool the bars in their pan completely or lift out by parchment and cool on rack. Cut them when completely cool.
We used, craisons, almonds, raisins, chocolate…but you may use ANYTHING! Any dried fruits, nuts, seeds, coconut, chocolate can be used.
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