insane granola bars

For years I have been working to fine the best granola recipe ever. I have finally found it. I have finally mastered the balance of healthy protein, sweetness, and saltiness that every good granola bar should have. Having wholesome snacks that you can feel good about eating makes having a balanced diet that much easier.

Begin by roasting a cup of pecans and 1 cup of slivered almonds in the oven at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes until they become all toasty brown all over.

Then grab an 8x8 square baking pan and press foil into it. Then coat it with PAM. This will allow the granola bars to release from the pan without any resistance.

There is a key ingredient in these granola bars is brown rice syrup. Brown rice syrup is just another natural sweetener like agave nectar, honey, or maple syrup. It is nutritious for the most part and if you really want to get down to it it's a lot better than throwing some sugar, splenda, or corn syrup into your dish.

Another key ingredient is cardamon. Oh Cardamon how I love thee!!! It is such a delicious spice and can make anything delicious. Well, that's my theory at least. Below you can see Cardamon in its natural form. My mom was nice enough to give me a mortar and pestle this year for Christmas so I have started to grind my own spices and if you can it does make a difference.

Next, add 2 cups of oats, 1 cup of chopped dried banana chips, 2 tbs of ground cardamon, 2 tbs of Cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt.

Now add your roasted pecans and almonds to the mix as well.

Now you are ready to get your sauce together. In a small saucepan add 1/2 cup of natural creamy peanut butter, 3/4 cup of brown rice syrup, 2 tsp of vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup of honey or agave nectar. Heat that through completely until it becomes a smooth sauce.

Then pour it all over your granola. Mix it up quickly and get ready to have some fun.

Pour it into your pan and add a piece of wax paper to the top and begin to press it down slowly and firmly. This will allow your granola bars to be crunchy, crispy, and perfect !!!

Let it sit overnight on your countertop so it can completely cool.

The next day turn it out on your countertop.

Slice them up then wrap them in saran wrap so they are easy to grab when you need a healthful snack. I like to keep mine in the fridge. I am not sure why really I just think they taste better cold.

Enjoy !!!