Quinoa, Oat and Banana Squares with Dried Cranberries

I love snacks.  I eat all day.  Like, literally all day.  So I try to snack responsibly.  I came up with this recipe for a healthy alternative to packaged, processed granola squares that are full of sugar, high fructose corn syrup and chemicals I can’t pronounce easily.   These squares make a super convenient, on-the-go snack packed with protein, fiber, essential fatty acids, and vitamins to provide you with genuine energy — not a temporary sugar rush. They will keep in the fridge for at least a week in an airtight glass container, separated by squares of parchment paper.  I have never had a problem with these sticking to the pan, but you can line the pan with parchment paper if preferred.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup uncooked rolled oats
– 1/4 cup uncooked quinoa
– 1/4 cup chia seed
– 2/3 cup toasted almonds or pecans
– 1/4 cup raw flaxseeds
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– A dash of cinnamon
– A splash of agave syrup
– 2 large, ripe bananas

Steps:

1.  Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

2.  Combine all ingredients except bananas in a food processor.  Pulse until ingredients are well chopped and integrated.

3. Mash bananas in a separate bowl with a fork and add to food processor with other ingredients.  Pulse until evenly distributed. If the mixture is too dry, add a few extra pieces of banana or your choice of nut butter (or a drop of coconut oil) to increase moisture and pulse until incorporated.

4. Using a rubber spatula, carefully scrape mixture into a square baking pan and pat down evenly.

5. Bake for 15-20 minutes and let cool before cutting squares with a sharp knife.  Remove each square by popping up the corners with a fork.  Cool completely on a cooling rack.

The ingredient options for these squares are endless – add dried blueberries, apricots, raisins, chocolate, walnuts, toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds, peanut, apple or almond butter, Nutella, shredded coconut…..if you can dream it, do it!