Granola Bars

Apple Cinnamon Granola Bar

½ c. cashew butter                           2 c. old fashioned oats

¼ c. maple syrup                               ½ tsp. salt

¼ c. agave syrup                               1 tsp. cinnamon

1 c. finely chopped dried apple     1 tsp. vanilla

1.       Heat cashew butter, syrup, and agave syrup till warm enough to blend.

2.       Remove from heat and mix in the rest of the ingredients.

3.       Bake in a parchment lined 8x8 pan at 350 for 18 minutes.

Blueberry Oatmeal Bars

2 c. old-fashioned oats                     1 ¼ c. flour

½ c. sugar                                            ½ tsp. cinnamon

¼ tsp. baking powder                       ¼ tsp. salt

¾ c. vegan butter, chilled                 1 tsp. vanilla

1 c. blueberry preserves                   ½ c. spinach puree

1.       Stir oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and vanilla.

2.       Cut the butter into the oats mixture with the back of a fork till it is no longer powdery. Do not over mix-bits of butter may still be visible.

3.       Set aside ½ of the oat mixture. Press the rest firmly into a greased 8x8 pan.

4.       Bake at 375 for 13-15 minutes till lightly browned at the edges but not fully baked.

5.       Mix the preserves and spinach in a bowl. Spread over the baked oat layer. Sprinkle with remaining oat mixture.

6.       Bake till topping is slightly browned, 20-25 minutes.

7.       Cool completely before cutting into 12 bars.

Peanut Butter Granola Bar

½ c. peanut butter                           2 c. old fashioned oats

¼ c. maple syrup                              ½ tsp. salt

¼ c. agave syrup                               ½ tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. vanilla

1.       Heat peanut butter, syrup, and agave syrup till warm enough to blend.

2.       Remove from heat and mix in the rest of the ingredients.

3.       Bake in a parchment lined 8x8 pan at 350 for 18 minutes.

Cherry Granola Bar

2 c. rolled oats                                    ½ c. orange juice

½ c. dates, pitted and chopped       ½ tsp. cinnamon

1 c. dried cherries                               2 tbsp. honey

¼ tsp. allspice                                       Pinch of salt

1.       Spread oats on a cookie sheet and bake at 325 for 10 min. Place in a mixing bowl.

2.       Boil dates and orange juice over medium for 15 minutes. Blend in blender with honey till creamy.

3.       Pour over oats and add cherries and spices. Mix well.

4.       Press into a parchment lined 8 x 8 baking pan and bake at 325 for 20 minutes.

Oat and Date Bars

8 oz. pkg. of dates, chopped           1 c. flour

½ c. water                                           1/8 tsp. salt

1 ½ c. old fashioned oats                  ¼ c. brown sugar

½ c. vegan butter, softened             1 tbsp. lemon juice

1.       Cook the dates in the water for 7 minutes. Remove from heat, mash with the back of a fork, and cool. Stir in the lemon juice.

2.       Combine oats, flour, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.

3.       Cream the butter and sugar. Stir in the oat mixture, reserving ½ cup of the dough.

4.       Press the batter into a greased 8x8 pan. Spread the dates over top. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture and lightly press it down.

5.       Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

6.       Cool and cut into 16 squares.