Holly’s Get Me Through This Day Peanut Butter Chocolate Granola Bars

There are some days when you want a snack that's sweet and salty, but not something from a vending machine. I created this snack when I was having a tough time at the office. Taking a bit of this snack was a delight and a treat. It was a moment to myself that allowed me to eat something good for me (yes, with a bit of sweetness) as well as give me some much needed energy when I felt I was dragging.

Dry Ingredients

4 cups whole oats (not quick oats, but they will do in a pinch)
1 cup raw almonds
1 cup raw pecans
1 cup flax seeds
½ to ⅓ cup raisins
½ to ⅓ cup cranraisins (or double up on the raisins)

Sauce

⅔ cup peanut butter
½ cup cacao powder (Cocoa powder will work in a pinch)
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp cinnamon (Yes that much!!)
2 tbsp vanilla (Yes, that much!! And if you have vanilla paste so much the better!! And if you don't know about vanilla paste, let's chat!)

Chop pecans and almonds. I use a food processor and pulse a few times to get a chunky consistency.
In a sauce pan, combine all the ingredients until it comes to a boil. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for a few minutes until the sugar dissolves.
In large bowl, combine dry ingredients.
Pour syrup over dry and combine. At first, it's best to stir with a spoon or spatula. After the syrup cools a bit, use your hands to mix, remembering to scrap the bottom of the bowl and sides (the syrup quickly settles to the bottom of the bowl).
Heat oven to 325 degrees.
Spread mixture onto prepared pans (greased pans work best).
Bake for 7-10 minutes.
Cut into squares or break off into chunks.