No bake oat bars

In preparation for the week and healthy eating, I decided to make this recipe. I changed a few things and I did not roll them into balls like the recipe says. Instead I decided to make them into a chewy, no baking required, granola bar.  I have listed the actual recipe along with my modifications.  They are so delicious, easy to make and healthy when you crave a chewy, chocolatey delight!

1 c old fashioned oats
2/3 c toasted coconut flakes (I used this unsweetened, organic coconut by Now real foods)
                                      Ocala peeps can get this product at Vitalize Nutrition Company

1/2 c peanut butter ( I used PB2- 6 tbsp pb2 and 3 tbsp water, you need it to bind all the ingredients so you may have to add more pb2 to get the right consistency. It will depend on size of oats used etc.) Vitalize Nutrition Company carries this too.  If you don't know about PB2 you should check it out. It is about 85 % less fat than peanut butter and tastes awesome!

1/2 c ground flaxseed or wheat germ (I used flaxseed)
1/2 c chocolate chips (optional) I used a 1/4 c raw cacao nibs and a 1/4 c chocolate chips
1/3 c honey (I used a gallberry honey that I bought local)
1 tsp vanilla

Stir all ingredients in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. I used a pampered chef bar pan and spread the mixture onto the pan then put it in the fridge for about an hour. Once chilled, I cut the mixture into bars and put the bars in a container back in the fridge to be stored.  Another option is to chill the mixture for a half hour or so and then roll the mixture into the size of a truffle and store in the fridge.

Have fun with this recipe and make it your own. You can substitute dried fruit for the chocolate chips. You can use any kind of nut butter you wish (almond, sunflower etc).  Agave nectar may not be a good sub for the honey since it is not as thick.