Homemade Muesli Bars

My family loves Carman's Muesli Bars, but since we can can gobble up a $5.00 box in a blink, I thought I'd try to make my own and make it a bit more nutrient dense. I replaced the canola oil with organic virgin coconut oil (to learn more about it's health benefits click here and to learn more about it's fat burning ability click here) and added some chia seed for the omega-3 fatty acid boost (for more on this wonder seed click here).

They are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. You can always swap out the raisins, coconut, almonds and sunflower seeds and substitute with your favorite fruit, nuts and seeds.

Admittedly, they aren't an exact replica of Carman's, but they did get the kids' and husband's seal of approval.

Fruit and Nut Muesli Bars

Ingredients:

2 cups of old fashion oats

1/2 cup slivered almonds

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1/4 cup coconut (unsweetened)

1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup chia seed

1/2 cup organic virgin coconut oil

1/3 cup raw honey

2 Tbsp sucanat or palm sugar (for more on my favorite low glycemic sweetener, click here)

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Line an 8 X 8 pan with parchment paper for easy lifting.

Mix the oats, almonds, sunflower seeds and coconut and place them on a cookie sheet line with parchment paper. Place in heated oven for 10-15 minutes. Mix around every 5 minutes until slightly toasted.

Melt coconut oil on stove over low. In a small mixer pulse sucanat or palm sugar until powdered. Add coconut oil to sucanat and pulse some more. Add honey, cinnamon and vanilla to coconut/sucanat in mixer and combine.

Place toasted oats/almonds/seeds/coconut in a medium bowl and then mix in chia seed and raisins. Pour in coconut oil mixture and combine. Spoon the muesli into the 8 X 8 pan and press down with a firm, large spoon. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes until firm. Cut and enjoy!