chewy granola protein bars.

My husband just loves when I come home with a bag full of protein bars.. stink eye and all.. I have learned to just hide them in my car. Although I love certain protein bars, they are the perfect go to snack on the go. BUT we hate paying $3 + for them.. they really can get quite pricey.. and since most of our mula goes toward other important things like formula.. I figured,  why not just make my own..? These are perfect for pre-workout, post workout and for a quick healthy snack on the go! 

You will need:

• 2 c. old-fashioned oats
• 2 c. granola cereal of your choice (I used the pumpkin flax, that I got in the bulk section at smiths marketplace)

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• 4 scoops of vanilla Elite Protein (You can use any kind of vanilla protein powder)
• 1/2 t. baking soda
• 1/4 C. Agave Nectar
• 1 c. brown rice syrup
• 1 T. Smart Balance butter
• 1 t. vanilla extract
• 1/2 t. salt
• 1/2 c. Slivered almonds
• 1/2 c. chocolate chips

{How to Make}

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, Mix together oats, granola, protein, slivered almonds,  flour and baking soda.

  

In a small saucepan, slowly heat brown rice syrup, margarine, agave, vanilla and salt over medium heat.

Bring to a low boil. Stir constantly.  Remove syrup from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Pour ingredients in the sauce pan over oat mix and stir until evenly coated, this is the fun part you can use your hands for ;) or if you like to be clean.. just use a large spoon. 

Turn cereal out into your pan that you cover with wax paper.., and press until evenly distributed in thickness. (wax paper will help with clean up) 

Place a few chocolate chips over the top of the bars and press them into the granola spread ;)

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes for soft chewy bars, if you like them a little crispy bake for 20-25 minutes. 

makes about 15 bars! 

ENJOY!!

The mister enjoys these a little more to, and so does his wallet ;)