Homemade Granola Bars- with chia and quinoa.

So guys… listen up. Lets talk HomemadeGranola Bars . Breakfast is extremely important. If you didn’t know, now ya know.

It gives your body the energy it desperately needs after an overnight fast. Break-fast. That’s where the name breakfast came from, breaking the fast...

;)

I just made that up but it sounds so legit? Maybe it's a thing?

:: googling ::

Anyways, I won’t get all nutritionist on you as to why breakfast is important… but I will say that it does get your metabolism going and fuels you with energy to start your day. SO DO IT.

I know I know, it’s tough sometimes when you’re in a hurry and don’t necessarily feel like eating a big meal…

This is when good ol’ granola bars come in, but hey not so fast, STORE BOUGHT GRANOLAS ARE A BIG NO NO.

Most of them are loaded with refined sugars & other unnecessary crap, so...

JUST SAY NO TO STORE BOUGHT GRANOLA BARS (repeat x3)

They aren't healthy...and even the "healthy" ones aren't very healthy.

Homemade ones are the way to go.

I found this recipe a while back, tweaked it to my liking and now I’m hooked. They are packed with quinoa, chia & other wholesome nuts, with no added sugar and NO GLUTEN! (if you use gluten free oats) These make for the perfect quick & healthy breakfast for all you on-the-goers.

It’s a coffee splashing out your cup-messy hair-no makeup-SH*T I’M GOING TO BE LATE-kind of breakfast…

Make these babies on a Sunday and you’re set for the entire week.

Let’s take a peak at what I did, shall we...

Ingredients:

•  2 cups rolled oats (use gluten free oats is you want gluten free bars)
• 1 cup of nuts (I used almonds and chia seeds)
• 1/2 cup of quinoa (rinsed and drained)

• 1 tbs coconut oil (or oil of choice)
• 1/2 cup of honey
• 1/4 cup of peanut butter (or nut butter of choice)

• 1 tbs of coconut flakes
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbs of vanilla

• Chocolate Chips (optional, I made a few naughty bars)

Directions:

1. Chop up your nuts (there's no cute way of saying that) and combine. I put mine in the blender for a about 15 seconds.
2. Preheat oven to 375 and lay out all the nuts and oats (not the quinoa) on a baking sheet lined with foil. Toast in pre-heated oven for 15-20 mins stirring occasionally until lightly golden. This step isn't really necessary, but I like more of a toasted taste.
3. When finished, combine toasted nuts with the rest of the dry ingredients (quinoa, coco flakes & cinnamon)
4. In another small bowl, combine wet ingredients: honey, peanut butter, coconut oil & vanilla. Blast in microwave for 20-30 seconds to slightly melt <-- easier to stir.
5. Combine wet & dry ingredients (ehh mental note to self: broaden kitchen vocab)
6. Press down granola mixture on baking sheet until tightly packed, bake for 15 mins or until lightly golden.
7. Place in fridge to set.
8. When cool, cut into whatever shape your little heart desires OR break it up for yummy granola cereal bits.

*Store in airtight container* I leave mine in the fridge. These should last at least a couple weeks :)

Enjoy!

And remember...

JUST SAY NO TO STORE BOUGHT GRANOLA.

x, jen