Snow day #12345 – looking for something fun to make that the kids can help with – to keep them occupied for at least a few minutes?  They can measure, count and pit dates, mix and form the balls.  And of course be the taste testers!

**Disclaimer before I start – I recommend a food processor for this – not a blender – even a super blender like the Vitamix or blendtec. A good friend and Vitamix – expert fried the motor!  D’Oh! Time to use the lifetime guarantee.**

Granola Bar (Crack) Bites

• 2 c oats
• 2 c coconut (unsweetened shredded)
• 1 c peanut/other nut/seed butter
• 1 c ground flax seeds
• 1/3 c honey
• 8 medjool dates (remove pits, soak in hot water 10 min to soften)
• 1/4-1/2 c mini chocolate chips
• 2 t vanilla
• 1 t cinnamon
• dash sea salt

In food processor puree dates, add nut butter, honey and vanilla.  Process until smooth – scrape down sides as needed.  In a separate bowl combine oats, coconut, flax, cinnamon, salt and chocolate chips.  Add date mixture to oat mixture.  This is where your God-given mixing tools are the best – have kids wash their hand and use hands to mash and squish and mix it all together.  Then – wash hands again (it’s sticky) and make small bite sized balls.  Refrigerate to set and store.  Then wish you’d made a double batch!