Cranberry Orange Bars

I love granola bars, especially for a snack sometime throughout the day. However, I don't always want one that contains chocolate. I love chocolate, but it's nice to enjoy one that is sweet without the chocolate. These contain nutrient-rich ingredients with less preservatives. They also super soft in texture and full of flavor, you will want to incorporate them into your weekly meal plan!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cherry infused cranberries

• 1/8 cup orange juice

• 3/4 cup almond flour

• 3/4 cup white flour

• 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats

• 1 tsp. baking powder

• 4 Tbsp butter, softened

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar

• 1 cup ripe bananas mashed (about 3 medium)

• 2 eggs

• 1/2 cup walnuts

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 °F. Using an electric mixer, beat butter, oil, orange juice, bananas and sugar together until well combined. Add eggs making sure to mix well after incorporating.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, oats, and baking powder.

3. Gradually add the flour into the mixer. Once it is mixed well, stir in the cranberries and walnuts.

4. Pour into a 13x9" pan coated with cooking spray and spread evenly. Optional: Top with a few extra cranberries and walnuts, then bake for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let pan cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Photo credit: Valley Nutrition & Wellness, LLC/Jessica Clark, RD, LDN