Holy Moly! Raw Granola Bars!!

Is it me or does everyone feel let down when it comes to snack time. I know I'm usually starving by that 3:00-4:00 pm hour and always looking for something quick but healthy to hold me over till I can get dinner on the table. Every time I go to look for something it's either got a 20 minute prep time or what we all think is healthy is actually not, once we read the label.First thing I usually look at is the list of ingredients and then the amount of sugar usually I put most things right back at the store after looking at those 2 things. Granola bars tend to be the worst! We think we're doing something good for our bodies and having a healthy option. Not usually the case! So I started playing this weekend and made some raw ones. Holy Moly! Watch out for these you may not leave them alone! I can't stay out of the freezer now!Best thing about these... you can make a large batch and store them in the freezer forever! Well if you can get them to last that long! ;)

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 C gluten free oats (I used Irish oats because that's all I had)
• 4 dates soaked and pitted
• 1 C almond- sliced or chopped
• 1/4 C dried cherries
• 1/4 C local honey or maple syrup
• 1 C sunflower butter
• 2 Tbsp cacao powder
• 1 Tbsp coconut milk

Directions:

1. In a baking pan-line with wax or parchment paper
2. In a bowl mix oats, almonds, half of the cherries.
3. In a food processor blend dates until it makes a paste. Save some of the soaking water and add a few drops to keep it like a paste if it gets too sticky.
4. Add honey, sunflower butter, and date paste to the bowl and mix well.
5. Pour into the baking pan and smooth out. Place another sheet of parchment/wax paper on top and press down with the bottom of a glass or your palm to make it level.
6. Sprinkle the rest of the cherries on top. Set aside.
7. In a small bowl, add the cacao powder and the coconut milk and whisk until blended. Pour on top of cherries and oat mix in the pan.
8. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes to let it set and harden.
9. When you're ready pull them out and cut into bars or squares. Enjoy!
10. Place them in an airtight container and store the rest in the freezer until you get that next hankering!