Granola Bars

• INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup packed dates, pitted (deglet nour or medjool)*
• 1/4 cup honey (or sub maple syrup or agave for vegan option)
• 1/4 c. creamy raw almond butter
• 1/2 tsp salt (omit if nut butter contains salt)
• 1 c. roasted unsalted almonds, loosely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (gluten free for GF eaters)
• 1/4 c. cacao nibs ( run through food processor to chop fine)
• 1 TBL chia seeds
• 1/4 c dried cherries coarsely chopped
• optional additions: chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, banana chips, vanilla, etc.

1. INSTRUCTIONS
2. Process dates in a food processor until small bits remain (about 1 minute). It should form a "dough" like consistency. (mine rolled into a ball). If dates are not sticky and moist soak for 10 minutes then drain before processing.
3. Place oats, almonds and dates, cacao, chia, fruit in a bowl - set aside.
4. Warm honey, salt and almond butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
5. Stir and pour over oat mixture and then mix, breaking up the dates to disperse throughout.
6. Once thoroughly mixed, transfer to an 8x8 dish or other small pan lined with parchment paper or waxed paper so they lift out easily. (A loaf pan might work, but will yield thicker bars.)
7. Layer another piece of waxed paper on top, press down firmly until uniformly flattened. Cover with waxed paper, and let set in fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes to harden.
8. Remove bars from pan and chop into 10 even bars. Store in an airtight container for up to a few days.

ingredients, dates, honey, almond butter, salt, rolled oats, cacao nibs, chia seeds, additions

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/-granola-bars-52867911 (may not work)