Granola Bars With Brown Rice Protein

This was a healthy granola recipe found online. I did some modifications to cut down on flour (so it was more like oatmeal on the go) and added protein powder to help my vegetarian diet. The mashed banana was not part of the original recipe. I added it for sweetness and nutrients instead of the 1/3 cup brown sugar. I actually did an agave/honey blend for the 1/4 cup honey. Finally, I recommend NuNaturals Stevia Vanilla in place of vanilla extract. NuNaturals vanilla is fabulous as a non-glycemic sweetner for baking, or even in coffee. I used 10 drops in this recipe.

• Ready In: 34 mins
• Serves: 24
• Yields: 24 bars

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄2 cups old fashioned oats
• 1⁄4 cup amaranth flour
• 1⁄4 cup buckwheat flour
• 1⁄4 cup  brown rice flour
• 2  tablespoons  protein powder
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1  teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄2 cup  shredded coconut
• 4  ounces applesauce
• 2 1⁄2 tablespoons flax seeds
• 1⁄4 cup honey
• 1  banana, mashed
• 2  ounces sunflower seeds
• 2  ounces raisins

Directions

1. Preheat to 325.
2. Combine all of the ingredients except coconut, seed and raisins. Once well combined, add remaining ingredients. Press into prepared 9x 13 pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and ginger. Bake for about 22-25 minutes. Remove and let cool for about 10 minutes. Cut into bars and let cool completely before removing. Serves about 24 bars, though may cut to be larger.