ISSUE #7: Peanut Butter Gojiberry Granola Bars

We’re always looking for fun, easy and healthy recipes to keep on hand around the house. These look perfect and are great to have on hand with us always on the go.

• 1 cup regular rolled oats
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups crisp rice cereal
• 1/4 cup pistachios
• ¼ cup pepitas (shelled, roasted pumpkin seeds)
• ¼ cup goji berries
• 1/4 cup toasted wheat germ
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate pieces

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with foil. Coat foil with cooking spray; set aside. Spread oats in a 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until toasted, stirring twice. Remove from oven; let cool. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees F.
Meanwhile in a small saucepan combine the corn syrup, peanut butter, brown sugar, butter, and honey. Heat and stir over medium heat just until peanut butter and brown sugar are melted. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and salt.
In a large bowl combine the toasted oats, rice cereal, pretzels, wheat germ, and chia seeds. Stir to combine. Pour corn syrup mixture over oat mixture. Stir to combine.
Press oat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle chocolate pieces evenly over the top. Press chocolate pieces firmly into oat mixture. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until firm. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.