Granola Bars GF, NF, DF

I’ve been scouring Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s for nut-free snacks... it has been quite an olympic sport. My daughter’s school is nut-free and a friend of her’s is severely allergic to the slightest traces of nuts. Keeping that in mind even items that are nut free often are marked as being processed in a nut facility. Well that doesn't cut it for me. Thankfully my children do not have any allergies but as a mother to think that I might be sending my child with an extremely dangerous snack it is too much anxiety to take. With that in mind I began my research on how to make my own granola bars and made some changes to fit almost all “free” dieters. Of course if you are not a “free” dieter than you are welcome substitute all “free” items for “regular” ingredients.

These bars are very easy to make and we had fun this morning making them. The only draw back is that you have to let them rest for a couple of hours and if you have impatient little ones like myself that want to enjoy their hard work it might be a bit of a challenge. Thankfully, it is a beautiful day here on Long Island and we are getting ready for a bike ride.

Hope you enjoy them!!!

Juicy Mommy’s Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Dairy-Free Granola Bars

2 Cups of Certified Gluten Free Old Fashioned Oats+
4 Tablespoons of Butter Substitute
1 Cup of Raisins
1 Cup of Dried Cranberries
½ Cup of Mini Chips (Dairy and Gluten Free)*
2/3 Cup of Honey or Agave
½ Cup of Brown Sugar
¼ Cup of Flax Seeds
¼ Cup of Chia Seeds
1 9x12 Pyrex
1 9x12 Parchment Paper

+Oats are naturally gluten free but if you are concerned with cross contamination of gluten you must purchase a brand that is certified. Otherwise any brand of old fashion oats work well.

*If you are not dairy or gluten free regular carob or chocolate chips can be substituted (same goes for butter substitute). Also, feel free to add any dried fruit and wheat germ (non gf lovers).

Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Add oats and put them on a cookie sheet for about 10-15 minutes (depending on oven) or until light brown and stirring occasionally.

In a large mixing bowl stir in raisins, cranberries, chips, flax, chia and oats. Once that is all mixed up in a small sauce pan add butter substitute, honey, and brown sugar on a low flame. Remove from heat when you have created a syrup type consistency and pour over oat mixture. Gently fold in order from preventing chips to melt right away.
Cut parchment paper down to 9x12 to fit Pyrex. With a scraping spatula pour mixture onto Pyrex and evenly distribute.
Put in a 300 degree oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Once baked let set for at least 2 hours. Ideally make and leave overnight before cutting into squares.