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Granola Energy Bars
by author Fred Edrissi

These energizers are perfect for day trips and lunch boxes. They’re not too sweet and contain healthy ingredients like nuts and figs. Granola bars are very easy to make at home and enable you to avoid the hydrogenated fats found in commercial brands.

2 cups (500 ml) rolled oats
1 cup (250 ml) mixed nuts such as cashew, almond, walnut
1/2 cup (125 ml) figs, chopped
1/4 cup (60 ml) currants or sundried cranberries
1 free-range egg
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamon
Pinch sea salt
1/2 cup (125 ml) butter
1/2 cup (125 ml) natural sugar (such as Rapadura)

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, nuts, figs and currants. In a small bowl, beat egg with vanilla, cinnamon and salt. In a small saucepan, melt butter and sugar then pour over the granola mixture; mix until temperate (adding slowly and stirring constantly). Add egg mixture; mix well. Pour into a baking pan and bake for five to seven minutes. Remove from oven and mix again to ensure the butter hasn’t settled to the bottom. When cool, wet hands and press mixture firmly into the pan. Refrigerate. Cut in bars and serve.

Source: alive #227, September 2001