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Date Nut Granola Bars

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association and Sorghum Checkoff
Servings 12

Ingredients

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup almond slices or whole almonds coarsely chopped
  • 1/4 cup shelled pistachios coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup pitted dates
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup uncooked whole-grain sorghum
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Line bottom and sides of 8-inch square baking pan with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  • On large baking sheet, spread oats, almonds and pistachios in single layer. Bake 10-15 minutes, or until lightly brown, stirring occasionally. Let cool slightly.
  • In food processor or blender, process dates and cranberries 1-1 1/2 minutes, or until chopped and clumpy. Transfer to large bowl.
  • Put 2 tablespoons sorghum in silicone microwaveable bowl or clean, brown paper bag. If using microwaveable bowl, cover with lid. If using paper bag, roll shut and place on microwavable dinner plate with fold facing down. Microwave on high 2 minutes, or until there are more than 10 seconds between pops. Repeat with remaining sorghum, microwaving 1 1/2 minutes, or until more than 10 seconds between pops.
  • Stir popped sorghum, oats, almonds and pistachios into date mixture.
  • In small saucepan over low heat, heat honey and peanut butter 5 minutes, or until peanut butter is smooth and mixture is warmed, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and salt.
  • Pour peanut butter mixture over date mixture, stirring to break into small clumps. Transfer half to baking pan. Using bottom of drinking glass or fingers lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, press down firmly to flatten and pack tightly so clumps adhere to each other. Repeat with remaining half. Freeze, covered, about 1 hour, to firm.
  • Place cutting board over pan. Turn pan over. Discard plastic wrap. Using knife, cut into 12 bars. Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container up to 1 week.
Course: Snack