Chocolaty Pecan Granola Bars (Gluten Free & Vegan)

My last adventure with gluten free granola bars went so well, I decided to try another flavor. After reviewing the various options, I decided on chocolate and pecan, with cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla singing back-up.

Chocolaty Pecan Granola Bars

Ingredients:

2 cups oats
1/2 cup rice bran
1/2 cup raw pecan pieces

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup agave
1 Tbsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp fresh ground nutmeg
pinch of salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Place oats, bran and nuts in a 9x13 baking pan. Toast at 350 degrees 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Combine sugar, agave, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg & salt in a small saucepan; heat over low flame until sugar is melted. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips.
3. Pour oats, bran and nuts into sugar mixture and stir to coat. Pour back into baking pan and spread in a thin layer, pressing firmly to pack it in (I stick my hand inside a plastic bag because a wooden spoon or spatula usually sticks).
4. Lower oven to 300 degrees; return pan to oven and bake 6-8 minutes (a little longer if you prefer more crunchy to chewy). Remove and cool, then cut into desired bar size (I usually do 16 or so).

The cost:
oats: 2.99
other ingredients: <2.00

Grand total: 4.99