A few years ago I recieved a cookbook as a Christmas gift from my mom. The title of this cookbook, Grazing, is perfect for me. I like fun food that I can eat with my fingers.  I like to graze.

I love this granola bar recipe. These are packed full of healthy power foods to create a satisfying snack.

Chewy Soft Baked Granola Bars (adapted from Grazing by Julie Van Rosendaal)

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
• 1/4 cup soy milk (or regular milk)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 Tbsp canola oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 3/4 cup oats
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• pinch salt
• 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds and/or pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 2 Tbsp ground flax seed

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9″ by 13″ pan.

2. Mix together the brown sugar, almond butter, milk, honey, oil and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda and salt.

3. Add the dry ingredients to the almond butter mixture. Stir to combine. Stir in raisins, chocolate chips, seeds and coconut.

4. Press the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-23 minutes, until they begin to brown around the edges. Cool in the pan on a wire rack. Slice into bars once cool. Can be stores in an airtight container at room temperature.