by Michelle Vodrazka

Makes 50
These hearty, chewy, wholesome granola bars are the perfect portable snack. Full of healthy fats, fibre and protein, and yet sweet enough to taste like a real treat, they are sure to become a staple in your household.

Ingredients:
• 1 cup slivered almonds
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup sesame seeds
• 6 cups quick-cooking, gluten-free oats
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup raw honey
• 2 cups natural peanut butter
• 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup coconut oil

Instructions:
1. In a food processor, mix almonds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds until semi-finely ground.
2. In a large bowl combine oats, cranberries, and raisins, then stir in the ground seed-and-nut mixture and set aside.
3. In a pot over low heat, melt together honey, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and coconut oil.
4. Remove mixture from heat and pour over the oat mixture. Stir until well combined.
5. Spread mixture onto a piece of parchment paper, flattening to desired thickness by placing another sheet of parchment paper on top and
rolling with a rolling pin. Use a butter knife to make straighten out the edges and place into the fridge to cool for at least an hour.
6. Remove from fridge and cut into bars. Store in the fridge in an air-tight container for up to two weeks.

With thanks to Michelle Vodrazka
Michelle is a Culinary Nutrition Expert, Holistic Health Coach, and Personal Trainer whose passion is teaching people how they can transform their lives through nutrition and exercise. Michelle has written two cookbooks, Smart Snacking for Sports and Help Yourself to Seconds and is currently working on her third book.

Michelle lives in Ottawa, Canada, with her four children where she loves spending time exploring the outdoors and dreaming up new creations in her kitchen. She shares her knowledge of cooking, nutrition, and fitness on her website www.michellevodrazka.com.

Photo credit: Marianne Rothbauer