Who would not want a slice of granola bar for a snack. It is a guilt free snack.

I have always loved to cook and bake and love to watch cooking shows. One of my favourite chef is Alton Brown. He explains the underlying process (and science ) in the recipe. The other favourite chef is Ina Garten. I have adapted this recipe from theirs. Alton brown’s recipe is a little too sweet for me. It is a foolproof recipe. You can add any nuts, sunflower seeds, any dried fruits you may have. This was the first time I added dates. This makes it chewy. I got a thumbs up from my son who does not like dry fruits in any desert! Let me know how it turns out.

Here is the recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups oats
• 1 cup coconut flakes
• 1 cup nuts (I used a mixture of peanuts, cashew nuts and almonds
• 2 tbsp flax seeds
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2/3rd cup honey
• 200 grams (1 1/2 cups) chopped daes
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• a handful of M&Ms or Cadbury gems or chocolate chips (optional – everything is good with chocolate)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 300° F / 150° C.

2. Roast the first four ingredients in a pan on low heat. Keep stirring to avoid burning. Once it cools, transfer it in a big mixing bowl.

3. Place the butter, brown sugar, honey,  vanilla and salt in a small pan and bring to a boil on low heat.

4. Pour over the toasted mixture and add the dates, raisins and M&Ms. Mix well.

5. Pour in a prepared baking dish.

6. Wet your fingers with water and press the mixture evenly in the pan.

7. Bake for 30 -40 minutes till golden brown.

8. Cool and then cut into pieces and store in an airtight container.

Enjoy!