Rice and Quinoa Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Instructions

• These easy, energizing Rice and Quinoa Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars might just give you the boost of energy you need to make that deadline. Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy a week’s worth of delicious snacks.

  Step 1

• Preheat oven to 300°F. Prepare rice and quinoa according to package directions. Set aside.

  Step 2

• Meanwhile, coat an 8×8-inch square pan with nonstick cooking spray.

  Step 3

• Purée the dates with 1/4 cup of the oats in a food processor until they form a paste or come together in a ball.

  Step 4

• Mix the remaining oats and the oat/date paste together in a medium bowl. Stir in the rice and quinoa and almonds.

  Step 5

• Heat the honey and peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat until well-blended and hot. Carefully pour into the bowl with the date mixture, stirring well to combine.

  Step 6

• Place the mixture into the prepared pan and press down until very firmly packed and flattened.

  Step 7

• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until set.

  Step 8

• Meanwhile, combine chocolate chips and olive oil in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on HIGH in 15 second increments, stirring each time, until chocolate is melted.

  Step 9

• Remove pan from oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Allow to cool. Using a fork, drizzle melted chocolate over cooled bars. Cut evenly into 12 bars, and enjoy.

  Recipe Tips

  If your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for a few minutes and drain before puréeing.

  Feel free to substitute other nuts for almonds, or use a combination of nuts in these delicious bars.