Vegola Granola Bars

Happy Friday! Today marks Vegan Mofo Day 5! It's not common for me to appear in your inbox daily but it's been kind of fun really. New recipes for us all to try, our freezer is full of go to treats, our bellies happy and our spirits high! They say sharing is caring after all.

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.
Buddha

For day 5 I wanted to create something sweet, healthy, wholesome, plant based yet kid and husband friendly. I opted for a vegan granola bar, or Vegola Granola Bar!

Thank you Jerry for the creative name! He has a way with words and is so much fun to live with. On our walks we like to identify what foods can be eaten. Fortunately we found mother earths sweetest gifts - DATES!

Like keeps getting sweeter, I have a quick snack for those "on the go" moments or even those lazy day recovery weekends.

I love to keep protein bars around for us. They are especially handy when working a 9-5. Convenient, a good source of nutrition and yummy!

With bananas, apples, oats, puffed amaranth, almonds, prunes and dates mixed within this wholesome bar you can feel good about eating and sharing them! Plus, they make the perfect Back To School Snack! :)

No oil, no syrups, or refined sugar here. The recipe makes 18 bars at less than 180 calories per bar and are lip smacking “I’ll just have one more” good!

Now, let's mash, mix, bake and practice our vegan alchemy!

PREP TIME: 15 minutes   Bake Time: 25 - 35 minutes Serves: 18
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Per Serving:

• Calories: 176
• Fats: 7.2g
• Protein: 4.6g
• Carbohydrates: 25.1 g

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vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, refined sugar-free, dairy-free

Loving Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Mix together almond butter, mashed bananas and cinnamon.
3. In a large bowl combine the dry ingredients.
4. Chop the prunes and dates, or pulse in a food processor until chunky. Mix in with the dry ingredients, add the almond butter and use your hands to work together until mixed well.
5. Cut the green apple into bite sized chunks and incorporate into the mixture.
6. Place in a lightly oiled or parchment lined 8X8 or two loaf pans, pressing ingredients down tightly. Moisten hands with water to assist.
7. Bake at 350 for 25-35 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
8. Let set for 15 minutes on a cooling rack and cut into 18 bars. Wet knife in-between to prevent sticking if needed.
9. Wrap individually for on the go snacks, leave on the counter, place in fridge or even freeze for future snack-opportunities!

To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.
Buddha

From my heart and kitchen to yours! Best wishes for a great weekend!

Love Love Love,
Christa