Cherry Pecan Granola Bars

2 cups rolled oats (toast for 10 minutes on a cookie sheet in a 325 degree oven, if desired).
1 cup dates, pitted and coarsely chopped
1 cup orange juice
2 cups fruit sweetened dried cherries
.5 tsp allspice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans
pinch of salt

Store in an air tight container for 3-4 days. I cut mine, place them in zip log snack bags and keep them in the freezer. You can reuse the baggies a number of times too (to cut down on waste).

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees (F). Combine orange juice and dates in a sauce pan on medium low heat. Cook for 15 minutes. Place in a blender (I used my nutribullet) and blend until creamy and smooth. (If you use a magic bullet, be careful of the steam when you open the pod up!)

2. Combine all other ingredients in a bowl and stir well to combine. Pour orange juice/date mixture over top and stir to coat.

3. Press mixture into a glass 9x13 pan. Bake for 25 minutes (or until top starts to slightly brown).

4. Remove and allow to cool completely before slicing.

Serving Size: 12 bars

Number of Servings: 12

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user FAT_NO_MORE_MN.