It's Monday and I need a Boost!

It's the beginning of the week again and after a long weekend with hardly any sleep I could use a little extra energy! Today's recipe is for homemade granola bars, these things are oh so good and exactly what you need to perk up and even satisfy your sweet tooth  little bit. :)

Homemade Granola Bars
(makes 24 small bars, about 150 calories each)


                                                         photo courtesy of FitnessMagazineOnline.com
Ingredients:

1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
2 tsp. Cinnamon
1 beaten egg
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons canola oil
5 oz. Craisins
5oz. Raisins
3oz. Chopped up Dried Apricots
3oz. Sliced Almonds
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup dark-chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line an 8-by-8-inch pan with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray. Set pan aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients, mixing in between each addition.
3. Spread mixture evenly in the pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until lightly browned around edges. Cool completely on a wire rack. Use edges of foil to lift cooked granola from pan, and cut into 24 bars.

This is also a great snack to get some energy back right after your workout, or in the middle of the day. It's healthy and can even stop you from reaching for that cupcake.... I saw that!!!