Granola Bars

Styled by TAYLOR BENNETT
Photograph by KELLY MOORE CLARK

These nutritious bars are perfect for grab-n-go treats. Packed with fiber and antioxidants, these mouthwatering morsels are a healthy treat.

What you need:
1 cup dates
1/2 cup hot water
1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 cup almonds
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
2 tbsp sunflower seeds
1 tbsp flax seeds
1 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup dried cranberries
3 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
1/4 tsp salt

Directions:
First, soak 1 cup of dates in 1/2 cup of hot water until they become soft. After around 30 minutes transfer dates to a blender and blend until a smooth paste is formed. While the dates are soaking, dry roast almonds and walnuts until the nuts get slightly browned. Add pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and flax seeds and cook for 2 minutes. Transfer seeds and nuts to a bowl and keep aside. Add dates paste to a saucepan and cook until the paste thickens. While the paste is cooking, roast 1 cup rolled oats over low heat. Transfer oats to dates paste. Then add honey and mix well and turn off the heat. Next, combine roasted nuts, seeds, cinnamon powder and salt and mix well. Lastly, add in dried cranberries and stir until all the ingredients are mixed. Transfer the prepared mixture to a lined baking pan and firmly press. Cover and put in the freezer for two hours. Remove granola bars and cut into equal portions.