No Bake Granola Bars

Ingredients:
8 Oz - Pitted Dates - Diced
2 Cups - Hot Water
3 Cups - Instant Oats
3 Cups - Puffed Rice Cereal
1 Cups - Almonds - Chopped
1/2 Cup - Pistachios - Chopped
1 1/2 Cups - Mini Carob Chips
1 Cups - Dried Cherries or Cranberries
1 Cup - Coconut
1 Cup - Flaxseed Powder
1 Tsp - Cinnamon
1 Tsp - Vanilla
1 Tsp - Kosher Salt
3 Cups - Almond Butter
1 Tbsp - Coconut Oil

Directions:
Place dates in a bowl and cover with hot water and let sit for about 30 minutes.

Line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper (leave overhang on sides for easier removal) and spray with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine the oats, rice cereal, almonds, pistachios, 1 cup carob chips, cherries, coconut and flaxseed. Mix to combine.

In a blender, add the dates, water, cinnamon, vanilla and salt and blend until smooth.

In a large bowl add 1 1/2 cups of the date mixture w/ the almond butter and mix to combine. Pour this mixture over the oat mixture and stir with a spatula to combine throughly.

Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish and pack firmly. It will be sticky so lightly wet your hands to press mixture down.

Cover dish and put in fridge (or freezer) for about 2 hours to set up.

Melt the remaining 1/2 cup of carob chips and the coconut oil in the microwave and stir to combine. Pour over the granola and spread as if you're frosting it. 

Let sit about 10 minutes, then, using the overhang of the parchment paper, lift the granola out of the dish and cut granola into about 1 or 2 inch squares.

Keep in fridge and they will last forever. Excellent source of protein and energy, perfect for post work out snacks.

Enjoy. #Cheftainment