Chewy Granola Bars and Peach Smoothies

These granola bars aren't exactly low calorie, but they pack a lot of nutrients that are great for a boost of energy in the morning. My peach smoothie has a thick milkshake-like texture from the frozen banana and is naturally sweet from fresh peaches and strawberry nectar. A small square of granola and a peach smoothie is all you need before you head out the door.

Chewy granola bars packed with sunflower seeds, almonds, roasted peanuts, dried apricots, creamy almond butter and a sprinkling of chocolate chips. Thick smoothies filled with fresh peaches and banana, peach yogurt and sweet strawberry nectar.

Chewy Granola Bars
3/4 cup organic light brown sugar
1/3 cup natural almond butter
6 tbl melted earth balance vegan butter
1/4 cup brown rice syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of salt
3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 cup raw whole almonds, roughly chopped
1/2 cup toasted sunflower seeds
1/2 cup roasted & salted peanuts, roughly chopped
1/4 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots

Preheat the oven to 350. Prepare a baking sheet.
In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, almond butter, melted butter, brown rice syrup, vanilla and salt. Set aside.
On the baking sheet, add the oats, seeds, chopped almonds and peanuts. Toast for 7 minutes.
Take half of the toasted oat mixture and transfer to food processor. Pulse into a coarse flour.
Add the oat flour mix and remaining oats/nuts into the wet mix. Add the chocolate chips and chopped apricots. Mix to combine thoroughly.
Prepare an 8x8 glass baking dish with parchment or foil and spray with cooking spray. Pack the granola in tight and bake for 15 minutes until golden brown.

Peach Smoothies
1 banana, frozen, cut in chunks
2 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
6oz non-dairy peach yogurt
2 cup strawberry nectar
1/2 cup crushed ice

Combine all of the ingredients and puree until smooth.