Chewy Chocolate Chip Almond Butter Granola Bars

Store bought granola bars are one of those fake health foods that many are easily fooled by due to some slick marketing tactics. But is has raisins in it! Or, it has whole grain! Who cares. It probably also has high fructose corn syrup in it! If you don't know about the dangers of HFCS, read here. It may even have MSG in it (read about that here) under the guise of 'natural flavors'. But granola bars CAN be healthy. They CAN be a tasty treat you can feel good about giving the kids for an afternoon snack. They also have lots of fiber and protein to help you feel full!

This particular version of these bars is quite decadent because it has chocolate chips in it. It's not your everyday version, but it deserves to be in the rotation. You can change this basic recipe up so many ways. Omit the chocolate chips and add in some raisins and cinnamon and you have a completely different treat. Add in whatever sort of dried fruit or spices you like. Feel free to get really creative. You really can't ruin them!

I know that some people are still scared of fat, so before you gasp at all the fat in this recipe, remember a couple of things: 1) Healthy fat is your friend. All of the fats in this recipe are healthy fats, that are actually essential to proper metabolism and absorption of various vitamins and minerals. They're also GREAT for your child's growing brain! 2) The fat is divided over the whole recipe. You're not going to sit down and eat the whole pan, although you may want to.


Ingredients:
-1/4 cup extra virgin coconut oil
-1/2 cup almond butter (look for a brand that is JUST almonds)
-4 tbsp maple syrup
-1 tsp vanilla
-1 egg
-1/4 cup coconut flour (here's how to make it at home)
-1 cup old fashioned rolls oats
-1 cup finely chopped mixed nuts (I used almonds and walnuts)
-1/4 cup flax meal
-1/4 cup Chocolate Chips
-3 tbsp chia seeds

Directions:
-Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare an 8x8 baking dish with either coconut oil or butter. Alternately, you can line it with parchment paper. This makes for easy removal!
-In a large mixing bowl, combine coconut oil (melt and let cool if solid), maple syrup, vanilla and egg. You can mix it by hand or use a hand mixer. Just make sure that it is well incorporated.
-In a separate bowl, combine,coconut flour, oats, nuts, flax, and chia. Combine dry ingredients, making sure to get the lumps out of the coconut flour.
-Combine the wet with the dry until well incorporated. Fold in your chocolate chips.
-Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Wet your fingers with warm water and press the mixture down into the pan so that it's evenly distributed.
-Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until brown around the edges.
-Let cool, cut into the shape of your choice. You MUST let these cool before you cut them, else they will fall apart. Trust me...did that. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. They won't last that long. Enjoy!

*Please use organic ingredients whenever possible.

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