Healthy Birdseed Granola Bars

Don't let the name fool you -- these Birdseed Granola Bars are a delicious and filling snack aimed at curbing your candy craving with sweet maple syrup and agave nectar.

SERVINGS

Makes approximately 20 1-oz bars

INGREDIENTS

8 oz rolled oats
2 1/2 oz millet
2 1/2 oz quinoa (rinse and dry on a dish towel before mixing with other grains)
3 oz almonds (chopped)
3 oz pecans (chopped)
1 1/2 oz wheat germ
1/2 oz vegan butter
1 3/4 oz dark brown sugar
3 oz agave nectar
3 oz maple syrup
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat 9” x 13” baking pan with cooking spray or vegan butter.

2. Combine dry ingredients (oats, millet, quinoa, almonds, pecans and wheat germ). Spread on a baking sheet and toast for 15 minutes. (Reduce oven to 300 when removed.)

3. Combine wet ingredients and salt in large saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until brown sugar is just dissolved. Remove from heat.

4. Add toasted grains and nuts to sugar mixture and combine thoroughly. Press into coated baking pan and press flat.

5. Bake at 300 for 25 minutes.

6. Allow to cool almost completely before cutting. It will be easier to cut if it’s just a bit warm.

Recipe courtesy Cheap Healthy Good blog.