Home Made Granola Bars

 Ever wish that you could make your own granola bars instead of buying them from the store?  Now you can!

Ingredients

1 cup packed dates, pitted
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup creamy salted natural peanut butter or almond butter
1 cup roasted unsalted almonds, loosely chopped
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
optional additions: chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, banana chips, vanilla, etc.

Stuff you will need

Cookie sheet
8x8 pan
parchment paper
Cutting board
Knife
Mixing Bowl
Sauce pan

Directions

Process dates in a food processor until small bits remain (about 1 minute). It should form a "dough" like consistency. 

Optional step: Toast your oats in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes or until slightly golden brown.

Place oats, almonds and dates in a bowl - set aside.

Warm honey and peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir and pour over oat mixture and then mix, breaking up the dates to disperse throughout.

Once thoroughly mixed, transfer to an 8x8 dish or other small pan lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper so they lift out easily.

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

Remove bars from pan and chop into 10 even bars. Store in an airtight container for up to a few days.