Gluten Free Granola Bars

Yesterday was snow day 117 here. I wanted to make something with my kids that would show them I love them and in the look at us we are cooking together way but not so far as I want to clean up the kitchen all day way. Enter these granola bars. No oven or sweat required. Really easy and even cost saving (those store bought gluten free bars can really add up). And there is enough for leftovers. So they can be reminded of the kitchen bonding again and again. Score one for team we can't even wait for spring...
cheers to almost March my friends.
xo

Gluten Free Granola Bars

adapted from Minimalist Baker

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup packed raisins or dates, pitted (deglet nour or medjool)

• 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey or agave)

• 1/4 cup creamy salted natural peanut butter or sun butter 

• 1 cup roasted salted sunflower seeds (or chopped almonds)

• 1 1/2 cups gluten free rolled oats 

• 3/4 cup chocolate chips

           optional add-ins: dried fruit, vanilla, nuts, banana chips, flax seed, etc.

INSTRUCTIONS

1 Process raisins or dates in a food processor or Vitamix until small bits remain (about 30-40 seconds). It should form a "dough" like consistency. (mine rolled into a ball); can also add oats to help them process easier

2 Place oats, seeds and raisins in a bowl - set aside.

3 Warm maple syrup and sun or peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir and pour over oat mixture and then mix, breaking up the raisins to disperse throughout.

5 Once thoroughly mixed, transfer to an 8x8 dish or other small pan lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper so they lift out easily. (A loaf pan might work, but will yield thicker bars.)

6 Press down until uniformly flattened. Cover with parchment or plastic wrap, and let set in fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes to harden.

7 Remove bars from pan and chop into even bars. Store in an airtight container for up to a few days. I kept mine in the freezer to keep them extra fresh and they taste even more delicious the next day and can be eaten straight from the freezer.