When you think of granola bars, oats come to mind. Have you ever had Barley-Rolled Flakes, though? They are very similar and have a great taste, more nutty and earthy than oats. You can mix and match them when old-fashioned oats are called for. I can find them in bulk at co-op stores.
Chewy Barley Granola Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Barley Rolled Flakes
, divided
- ½ cup Organic Maple Sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ½ cup dried wild blueberries
- ½ cup dried apricots, finely diced
- ½ cup sliced almonds, crumbled
- ½ cup Brown Sesame Seeds
- ¼ cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 6 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1/3 cup natural unsweetened almond butter
- ¼ cup vegetable oil, such as avocado
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly oil or spray a 9×13″ glass baking dish. Cut a long piece of parchment paper to fit down the middle, lay it in, and oil as well.
Using a blender, mini food chopper, or food processor, process 1/3 cup of the barley flakes into a fine powder. Add it and the dry ingredients to a large bowl.
Whisk the wet til smooth, add to the dry, and stir to coat fully.
Scrape into the prepared dish, pat down smooth, and gently flatten with your fingers.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until turning golden on the edges.
Let cool in the pan, then lift out using the parchment paper to pull out.
Cut into desired shapes, wrap tightly, and store in the refrigerator or freezer.