As the new year inspires foodies to leave 2020 behind once & for all and adopt some better eating habits, we offer up two recipes for super delicious, super healthy takes on granola bars.

Oatmeal Raisin Granola Bars

Delicious, chewy, healthy granola bars. Makes 8 bars.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 T Coconut oil
• 1/4 C Peanut butter
• 1/4 C Honey
• 3/4 t Vanilla extract
• Pinch of Salt
• Pinch of Cinnamon
• 1 1/4 C Oats
• 1/4 C Almond or oat flour
• 1 T Flax seeds (optional)
• 1/2 C Raisins

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350° and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together coconut oil, peanut butter, honey, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon until smooth.
3. Into the peanut butter mixture, fold in oats, flour, flax seeds, and raisins until a sticky dough is formed.
4. Using a spatula, press the dough into the prepared pan until it is even and firm. Then, bake for 15-18 minutes or until the uncut bars are golden brown.
5. Once removed from the oven, allow the bars to cool before using the parchment paper to remove the uncut bars from the pan. Slice into bars.

Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Delicious, chewy, healthy granola bars. Makes 8 bars.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 T Coconut oil
• 1/3 C Peanut butter
• 1/4 C Honey
• 1/2 t Vanilla extract
• Pinch of Salt
• 1 C Oats
• 1/4 C Almond or oat flour
• 1/4 t Cinnamon
• 1/4 C Pecans
• 1 T Chocolate chips
• 1/4 T Water

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350° and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, mix together coconut oil, peanut butter, and honey over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes or until thickened.
3. Into the peanut butter mixture, stir in vanilla and salt. Then, fold in oats, flour, cinnamon, and pecans until a sticky dough forms. Stir in chocolate chips and water.
4. Using a spatula, press the dough into the prepared pan until it is even and firm. Then, bake for 15-18 minutes or until the uncut bars are golden brown.
5. Once removed from the oven, allow the bars to cool before using the parchment paper to remove the uncut bars from the pan. Slice into bars.

Rebecca Anderson is a culinary enthusiast for Oswego East High School’s online news magazine the Howl