quinoa coconut granola bars

ingredients:
1 c oats
1 c quinoa, uncooked
1/2 c coconut flakes
1 c pecans, chopped
1 c cranberries, dried
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c peanut butter, all-natural
3/4 c honey
1 tbsp canola oil
3 tbsp brown sugar


directions:
preheat oven to 350 degrees.  spray a ceramic or glass 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

spread oats and quinoa onto a cookie sheet and toast in preheated oven for 8 minutes.  watch to be sure and not over cook.  place mixture in a large bowl and add coconut, nuts and dried cranberries.

in a medium sauce salt, combine salt, peanut better, honey, oil and brown sugar.  bring to a boil over medium heat, then immediately remove from heat and pour over the oat mixture.  stir together until dry ingredients are evenly coated. 

pour into prepared baking dish, pressing mixture down into the pan.  bake for 20 minutes.

cool for up to 2 hours, then cut and serve.

*original recipe found on super healthy kids.
**i have eliminated cranberries and used almonds in place of pecans.  i've also added chocolate chips.

granola: only 5 ingredients

6 cups rolled oats
1/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. coconut oil
1/3 c. honey
2 tsp. vanilla
 optional:
1 cup wide coconut
1/3 c. sesame seeds
1/4 c. sunflower seeds
1/2 c. raisins or craisins
1/2 c. dried mango
1 c. chopped nuts (almonds)


directions:
1.  mix rolled oats and brown sugar together.
2.  in a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, honey and vanilla.
3.  pour over dry mixture and stir to coat thoroughly.  add in chopped nuts and any seeds at this point.
4.  spread on baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
5.  stir frequently (every 5 minutes) to ensure even baking.  it should be golden brown when it is done.
6.  add dried fruit and coconut after baking.
7.  let it cool on baking sheet and then break up any large pieces.  store in an airtight container.
8.  makes 8 cups.  can store for 3 weeks.

*original recipe found on super healthy kids website