Chewy Homemade Granola Bars

Another March Health Madness recipe from Mona Dolgov and her new SATISFY cookbook. This recipe is packed with omega-3’s, making it heart and brain healthy. No processed anything or extra sugar found in these granola bars (hint hint: like the ones found in grocery stores). Please meet your new go-to breakfast/snack!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/3 cup chopped almonds
• 1/3 cup dried cherries
• 3 tablespoons dark chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon milled flaxseed
• 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup almond butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut a piece of parchment paper to line the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, toss together oats, almonds, cherries, chocolate chips, flaxseed and cinnamon.
3. In a separate mixing bowl whisk together egg whites, sugar, almond butter, honey and salt.
4. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients until well combined.
5. Spread across the bottom of prepared baking dish. Place a sheet of plastic wrap over top and use your hands to firmly press the granola down into the dish, packing it as tightly as possible. Discard plastic wrap.
6. Bake 30 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Let cool for 15 minutes, remove from baking dish and cut the warm granola bars in half vertically and into 5 rows horizontally. Cool completely before serving.