Flax Granola Bars

RECIPE INGREDIENTS (Flax Granola Bars) Makes 12 bars
PREP TIME: 25 minutes

12⁄3 cups rolled oats
1⁄2 cup dried apricots, chopped
1⁄2 cup dried cherries or cranberries
1⁄2 cup pecans, almonds, or pistachios, roughly
chopped
1⁄2 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
1⁄3 cup ground flaxseed
1⁄4 cup brown sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄4 teaspoon cardamom (optional)
3 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons canola or grapeseed oil
1⁄4 cup honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup
2 tablespoons water
1⁄3 cup almond butter or peanut butter
Fleur de sel (optional)

COOKING DIRECTION

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a large bowl, mix the oats, dried fruits, nuts, pepitas, flaxseed, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom. In a separate bowl, mix the butter, oil, sweetener, and water. Combine wet with dry ingredients and mix until everything is moist. Stir in almond butter and mix well.

Line an 8- X 8-inch cake pan with parchment paper, allowing it to flow up the sides. Lightly grease the parchment paper. Spread oat mixture in the prepared pan, pressing firmly to mold it to the shape of the pan. Sprinkle with fleur de sel, if desired.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until browned around the edges. Let cool completely before slicing into bars. If the bars are too crumbly upon first slicing, try chilling the pan in the fridge for 30 minutes before continuing to cut the bars.

TD&N Nutrient Analysis (per bar): Calories: 296; Total Fat: 19 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 5 g; Monounsaturated Fat: 9 g; Cholesterol: 8 mg; Sodium: 131 mg; Carbohydrates: 29 g; Fiber: 5 g; Protein: 6 g