Weekend Recipe: Almond and Peanut Granola Bars

Let's start the year righ! This boost of energy in a bar comes with no high-fructose corn syrup or artificial additives here - just all-natural, healthy, high-fiber goodness. 

Here's what you'll need:

3 cups rolled oats, divided 
1 1/2 cups peanuts 
3/4 cup almonds, chopped
roughly 2 cups dried fruits (we used a mixture of cherries, chopped apricots, cranberries, and golden raisins)
1/2 teaspoon salt 
1/3 cup honey (Click to see How to Measure Honey)
1 tablespoon molasses (optional) 
2 tablespoons butter 

Make it!

1  Place 3/4 cup rolled oats in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Transfer to a large bowl and mix with remaining oats, nuts, dried fruits, and salt; set aside.

2  Combine honey, molasses, and butter in a small saucepan and heat until butter foams. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well.

3  Pour the mixture into a generously buttered and lined 9x13-inch glass baking dish, spreading it evenly. Press down onto the surface of the granola mixture, making sure the mixture is compact.

4  Bake in a preheated 350ºF oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack, then chill for 30 minutes before cutting into bars with a serrated knife. Wrap bars—in foil and freeze until ready to consume. 

Photography by Kai Huang | Styling by Elaine P. Lim

This story originally appeared on Yummy.ph.

*Minor edits have been made by the SmartParenting.com.ph editors.