these granola bars are packed with nuts and seeds and some roasted winter squash. rather than use sugar I used maple syrup and vanilla bean paste to sweeten them, they are great to have for breakfast or to wrap up and have for lunch. I have quite a sweet tooth so I want to cut back on my sugar intake a bit,  so using naturally sweet flavours like vanilla and cinnamon helps. I thought I had better jump on the traditional January band wagon and share some healthy recipes, but if I’m honest I do actually need to start eating more healthily my self this year. the best thing about these bars is they are so easy to make, plus its a great way to use up any left over nuts you have lying around from Christmas.

I drizzled some low fat greek yogurt sweetened with honey on the top and left it in the fridge to dry over night, but if you want these to be vegan you can leave that part out.

recipe

• 1 cup squash puree (see below)
• 2 1/2 cup whole grain rolled oats
• 3/4 cup whole almonds
• 1/2 cup brazil nuts
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
• 4 tbsp. black sesame seeds
• 3 tbsp. cacao nibs
• 4 tbsp. coconut oil
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
• 1 tsp cinnamon