Holidays. I love them but one thing I dread is all the candy that my kids bring home. Easter, Valentines Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years…it seems the thing to do is give children sugary candy. In our home we try and eat as little refined sugar as possible because, frankly, I notice a big difference in my kids when they have sugar. Attitudes, behavior, health, it all heads down hill.
I know I can’t keep them from all refined sugar all the time. I also don’t want to turn sugar into “forbidden fruit” that just makes them gorge when they get access to it. I try and find a good balance for myself and for them. One way we do this is through education. We talk to our kids about foods and why they are good and bad for us. I point out to the kids how they feel with “green light and red light foods” and we talk about feeding the good guys. They are smart, they know it effects them but just like me, sometimes they just want it anyway. In an effort to help them learn how to have sugar responsibly (meaning without gorging themselves into a sugar coma!) I try to find good alternatives and even allow candy at times. This recipe is one way I do that.
These bars are dairy free and flour free. They are made with coconut sugar, 85% chocolate and some mini candy bars. Why add the candy bars? It is a way that my kids can enjoy the candy people give them but in a small amount & with some protein. It helps us get the candy out of the house without just throwing it away. For our family it creates balance. If you don’t have mini candy bars at home or just don’t want to use them you could use chocolate chips or dye free M&M style candies. To make these gluten free, just make sure you use GF rolled oats.
Flourless Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups peanut butter creamy or chunky
- 1 cup coconut sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla or caramel extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 - 1/2 cup chopped mini chocolate candy bars approx 10-20, you can a use a combination of many kinds
- 1/2 cup chopped 85% dark chocolate
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine peanut butter and sugar in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, mix until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla and almond milk, stirring with each addition until combined. Add oats, baking soda, salt and mix again. Lastly, add the chocolate and stir just until combined. Place mixture in a greased baking dish. My dish is actually a 7x11 but I am not sure if that is a standard size. A 9x 13 will work, the bars just wont be as thick. Bake for 20-25 minutes, bars will be golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
