chewy bars

when i was a kid, we always called granola bars chewy bars. now, that makes me think of chewbacca (nerd alert!). 

regardless, these bars certainly live up to the chewy name. i made the recipe up, but based it (VERY) loosely on oatmeal raisin cookies. i made them a ton healthier, but they still have an almost cookie-like texture to them (speaking as someone who only makes chewy cookies).

as such, they won't last quite as long as more traditional granola bar recipes, but that's okay, because you'll eat them all in a day anyway!! 

i made these for matt and i before an 18 hour rally day (that's right, i'm a nerd in every way you can imagine - AND WE TOTALLY WON!!), and they made lovely snacks for a long, asskicking day.

ingredients: 

1 100 mL cup of apple sauce (one of those single-serving ones)
3/4 c oatmeal
1 t vanilla
1/3 c agave syrup
1/4 c peanut butter (natural, smooth)
1/2 t salt
1 t baking powder
1/2 c whole wheat flour
1/8 c mini chocolate chips
1/8 c pecan pieces
1/4 c raisins

to make:

mix apple sauce, oatmeal, vanilla, agave, peanut butter and salt. mix well, and allow to rest for 5 minutes (this lets the oats rehydrate).

add baking powder and flour and mix well, then add chocolate chips, pecans and raisins. 

spread into a greased 9x9" pan (preferably silicone, as it'll pop right out when it's done). the dough will be sticky, but be patient with it, and make it as even as possible!

bake at 375 for 12 minutes. 

if you can get it out of the pan in one piece, cool on a wire rack. if not, allow it to cool fully in the pan.

cut into 9 (or however many you want, it's your life!) squares.

enjoy!