Chewy.

Happy Monday y'all!

Let's just say it's Monday and I can't wait for this week to be over. How was your weekend? Mine was pretty laid back, I did some shopping with the mom yesterday for work attire. Hopefully I will get to feature some of my snazzy outfits on the blog later this week. Seriously, I think I was born to wear dressy clothes, I just love me some high-waisted skirts and bright blouses. Enough about fashion. Let's talk about the good stuff. 

Would you know? I barely did any cooking or baking this weekend. However, on Friday I had a craving for a granola bar...I know, a granola bar? Really, Chelsy? That rarely ever happens. With the busy week ahead, I know that it is essential to have snacks prepped for being on the go. These granola bars do just that.

They are chock full of good things, and good things only: bananas, raisins, coconut, oats, agave nectar,  cinnamon, and walnuts.

They are actually more of a cookie-like granola bar, chewy on the inside, with slightly crispy edges.

So, I insist that you make these for your busy week.

Oh, and wear a cute outfit to work.

Share with your co-workers. They will thank you later :)

Chewy Banana Coconut Granola Bars (GF/V):

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c. gluten-free rolled oats

1/2 c. oat flour (if you can't find, pulse oats in a food processor until a powdery flour forms)

1/2 t. salt

1 t. ground cinnamon

2 ripe bananas, mashed

1/4 c. agave nectar

1/4 c. walnut oil (or oil of your choice)

1 c. unsweetened, shredded coconut

1 c. raisins

1/2 c. chopped walnuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 8 in. square cake pan with foil, with some of the foil hanging over the edges of the pan. Spray the foil with cooking spray. Set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, oat flour, salt, and cinnamon.

3. In a small mixing bowl, combine the bananas, agave, and oil. 

4. Pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture and combine using spatula. 

5. Fold in the coconut, raisins, and walnuts.

6. Add the oat mixture to the prepared pan and using your hands, press the oat mixture into the pan until distributed evenly. 

7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden around the edges.

8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before serving.

Makes 8 large granola bars or 16 small square bars.

MANGIA!!!