Chewy Granola Bars

Can I say yum?! I get on these kicks where I make one particular thing for months on end and then I don't touch it for a year because I have had it so much. I have a feeling this is going to be one of those things because I. CANNOT. STOP. EATING THESE!!! My friend Ashley and her MIL made granola bars and I had her write down what all she put in them so I could give em a shot. I of course have added and subtracted thing every batch. I have made them sweeter, peanutier, seedier....you name it. (Ok, I know those aren't real words. Deal with it.) :)  This is my favorite version. Play with it like I did, it isn't hard. If you have nut allergies it would be really easy to sub out the peanut butter for sunbutter (which my hubby prefers) and the almonds for any added seed. These guys are as high in protein and fiber as they are in taste. Seriously. There is no baking, and it takes like 15 minutes of your day. Involve your kids! Nahum LOVED making these! (Not that it made him want to eat them.....He won't touch anything with seeds ;( )

Ingredients

1 C unsweetened organic coconut
1/2 C Flax meal (seeds would work too)
4 C organic oats (I have used all quick, half quick half rolled)
1 C roasted pepitas
1 C mini choc chips (use dark if you can find them, otherwise semi sweet works)
1 C organic dried fruit (definitely use raisins, cranberries or cherries)
1 C slivered almonds

1 C raw sunflower seeds
1/2 C chia seeds

1/2 C raw honey
1 Tbs vanilla extract
2 C organic peanut butter
1 C pure maple syrup
1 Tbs cinnamon
1 Tsp pumpkin pie spice
(You will need an additional 1/2 c of goo. If you like it peanuttier use peanut butter if you want it sweeter use maple syrup. You choose)


Directions

In a big bowl mix all of the dry ingredients together (other than the spices) Toss em around with your hands to get them integrated. In a second bowl add all of the gooey ingredients and the spices. This helps the spices get mixed in better so you don't get a clump of cinnamon. Pour the gooey over the dry and mix it together well. Use your hands, it works the best! (Just take off your rings so you aren't picking granola goo out of your wedding band for a month.) Line a cookie sheet with saran wrap. Dump your granola onto the cookie sheet and smash it out so it is in the corners of the pan and somewhat evenly distributed. Cover with saran wrap and roll the crud out of it with a rolling pin. Really smash it down and make it flat and even all over. Put in the freezer for 30 min or so. Remove from freezer after the 30 minutes and cut it into bars. I wrapped each one individually in waxed paper and then stored them all in a gallon sized zip lock bag. Also, keep them in the freezer so they stay fresh. I like to take mine out about 10 min before I am going to eat it so it softens up some, but they will be fine all day if you want to take them to work or school. They will be nice and chewy!