Dark Chocolate Granola Bars

It's Monday again, and Christmas is officially over. Commence healthy recipes to prepare for the new year just days away!

Looking back, I used to think that store-bought granola bars that said they were "healthy", were actually healthy. Annnd then I looked more into the ingredients and laughed to myself. Since then, I've been making my own granola bars at home, and these dark chocolate granola bars are one of my favorites. Dark chocolate alone is delicious, as well as granola bars. But eating a chewy, chunky granola bar with hints of dark chocolate... Excuse me while I wipe the drool off of my chin. Just look at that stickiness...

You really can't go wrong with granola bars. There are dozens of combinations of ingredients you could try, like adding any kind of nuts, dried fruits, spices, or sweeteners you want. You can also add flax seed meal, peanut butter, or use gluten free oats to make it, well, gluten free. Granola bars are pretty wonderful in my opinion!

Dark Chocolate Granola Bars
Author: Herbivore Haven, Adapted from Barefoot Contessa
Makes: 14 Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats (not quick oats)
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup mini dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup ground flax seeds
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8x12 inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Lightly spray a large baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray and place the rolled oats and sliced almonds on the baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 10-12, mixing up occasionally.
3. Transfer the toasted oat mixture to a large bowl and stir in the ground flax seeds.
4. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.
5. To a medium saucepan, add the unsalted butter, brown sugar, honey and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir until the brown sugar is dissolved and the butter is melted.
6. Pour the butter mixture in with the toasted oat mixture. Add to the mixture the sunflower seeds and dark chocolate chips. Stir until the oats are well coated.
7. Pour the granola mixture into the prepared baking dish. Lightly press the mixture down evenly into the pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is light golden brown. With the bars still on the parchment paper, carefully transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely for about 2 hours. Cut into bars and enjoy!

Store in the refrigerator for harder bars. Store at room temperature for softer bars.