On The Go Coconut Almond and Date Breakfast Bars

Sugar free and full of goodness, these on the go breakfast bars are a great solution to those busy mornings when you need a grab and go breakfast. Why coconut oil? Not only does it taste wonderful but it is also heat stable so no free radicals are released in the heating process. Coconut is also highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a "functional food" because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. Want to learn more? Read about coconut oil here.

On The Go Coconut Almond and Date Breakfast Bars

(Makes about 14  - 16 bars)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups large flake rolled oats

1 cup unsulphured coconut flakes

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1/2 cup of almond meal

1 cup chopped Madjool dates

1 cup pure, unsweetened apple sauce

1 teaspoon pure vanilla

2 tablespoons ground flax mixed with 4 tablespoons hot water. Let sit 10 minutes.

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients as well as Madjool dates, making sure that the dates do not stick together. You can do this by putting your hands in the mix and rubbing the dates with the oatmeal mix.

In a separate medium bowl, combine apple sauce, vanilla and flax mixture. Add to dry ingredients and stir until well combined. Add melted coconut oil and combine again.

Shape 3-4 tablespoons of dough into 3 inch long bars and place on a parchment lined baking sheet, making sure to not have the bars touch. Bake in preheated oven for about 20 - 24 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Let cool completely on baking sheet before removing. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.