Energy Boost Bars

I finally got the chance to make the new granola bar recipe and although it isn't the most awesome thing I have ever had, I kind of like them and I can't seem to stop eating them! Hahaha, I know, I know, I am trying to find food for my princesses to eat and here I am devouring the tasty treats. Princess Gigi still won't even try these and like usual Princess Gia sticks it into her mouth and chows down. The bars are a little on the crunchy side, think Nature Valley Granola Bar but not as crunchy. I didn't have all of the ingredients so I omitted the sesame seeds and dried blueberries and added chocolate chips to make them more appealing to the princesses. Next time I will follow the exact recipe and still add chocolate chips and see if it turns out even better.

INGREDIENTS:

1 (8 -ounce) bag almonds
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1 1/2 cups oats, quick-cooking
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 cup dried blueberries
2/3 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup milk chocolate chocolate chips (optional)
I also added about a 1/2 tablespoon or more of vanilla extract (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 275 degrees. Lightly grease a 9 x 13 baking pan (or line with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray). Grind the almonds in a food processor (or the magic bullet if you have one) until they resemble a coarse meal. Combine the ground almonds and the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and stir well. Using wet fingers, press the mixture into the prepared pan and bake it for 1 hour. Cut into pieces and allow to cool.

I found this recipe in a Family Fun Magazine.