Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Granola Bars with Almonds

These granola bars are a much better alternative to the processed stuff in a box.  They're easy to make, delightfully chewy, and seriously delicious.  My daughter goes nuts over them, and I frequently catch her sneaking into the kitchen to get "just one more bite".   

Ingredients:

Yields 10 bars 

Dry Ingredients:

• 3 c quick cooking oats 
• 1/4 c slivered almonds
• 1/2 c brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground ginger 
• Pinch ground cloves 
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 graham cracker, crushed (or 1 tbsp graham cracker crumbs)
• 1 c chocolate chips

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 c pumpkin puree
• 1/4 c applesauce 
• 1/4 c honey
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line an 8 x 8 baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease.  

In a large bowl, whisk together all of the dry ingredients.  In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all of the wet ingredients.  Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir well to combine.   

Press the mixture into the prepared pan.  Bake until the edges begin to turn golden brown and the top is set, about 30 to 35 minutes.  Cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.  Cool completely.  Cut into bars using a serrated knife.  Store in an airtight container.  

Enjoy!