Name: Peanut Butter Chia Granola Bars
Prep time: 42 min
Cook time: 98 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 cups old fashioned rolled oats ((quick cooking can also be used)); 0.5 cup roughly chopped walnuts ((or pecans, almonds or a mix)); 0.25 cup uncooked millet ((or uncooked quinoa)); 0.25 cup chia seeds; 0.67 cup creamy peanut butter ((do not use the kind that must be refrigerated or the bars may not set)); 0.33 cup maple syrup ((vegan alternative to honey)); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt; 0.5 cup chopped medjool dates ((or dark chocolate chips, dried cherries, raisins, chopped dried apricots))

Instructions

Show units in method

1

OPTIONAL: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the old fashioned rolled oats (1.5 cups), roughly chopped walnuts (0.5 cup), uncooked millet (0.25 cup), and chia seeds (0.25 cup) on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for minutes (10) until lightly golden and toasty. Set aside.
2

Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with plastic wrap or parchment paper, lightly mist with [cooking spray], then set aside.
3

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt together the creamy peanut butter (0.67 cup) and maple syrup (0.33 cup), stirring frequently until creamy and smooth. Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract (1 teaspoon), ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon), and kosher salt (0.25 teaspoon).
4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the old fashioned rolled oats (1.5 cups), uncooked millet (0.25 cup), roughly chopped walnuts (0.5 cup), and chia seeds (0.25 cup). Pour the peanut butter mixture over the top, then with a rubber spatula, stir until evenly coated. If using chocolate, let the mixture cool for 1 to 2 minutes to ensure it doesn't melt, then stir in the chopped medjool dates (0.5 cup).
5

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. With a rubber spatula, press firmly to the edges, then place a sheet of plastic wrap over the top and press down firmly. Refrigerate for hours (2) to allow the bars to set and flavors to mingle. Use the plastic or parchment paper to remove from the pan, slice into bars, and enjoy.