Crunchy Granola Bars

We really like crunchy granola bars but can't eat the popular ones on the market due to the added soy protein, eggs and dairy.  So I decided to create my own recipe.  Here is one that I tried today.  I forgot about them.  OOPS!  So the edges are a little brown.....well really brown but DG thinks they taste like roasted marshmallows.  LOL!  I am pleased with them and thought others might like them as well.  They do contain quite a bit of sugar between the honey and the brown sugar.  I did not mess with that yet.  ;)

Crunchy Granola Bars

3/4 c melted coconut oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
3/4 c brown sugar

Mix together as well as possible.  Immediately  pour into:

4 cups GF oatmeal
1 c unsweetened coconut
1/2 - 3/4 chopped dark unsweetened chocolate *

Mix thoroughly until everything is incorporated.  Press into an 10 x 15 jelly roll pan.  Bake at 450.  MAKE SURE YOU WATCH THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!  When they are evenly browned, remove from the oven.  Score/cut with a pizza cutter.  Allow to cool completely.  Remove from pan and break apart.  YUMMY!

* Make sure to use dairy free unsweetened chocolate or dark chocolate

Hoisin Sauce

I have known for some time that I need to make my own since my daughter is allergic to soy and traditional Hoisin sauce always causes an allergic reaction.  We deal with it because we like our Chinese food.   :)  This morning, however,  while making pork wontons, I found that I did not have the Hoisin sauce in my pantry that I thought I did.  This lead me to improvise and create my own recipe for Hoisin sauce.  Traditionally Hoisin sauce is made from a soybean paste, soy sauce and chilies. Here is my version:

4 tablespoons Bragg's Liquid Aminos (non-GMO soy sauce) 
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon honey or molasses
2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder or fresh garlic clove crushed
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
20 drops Tabasco sauce
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Combine all ingredients together until a paste is formed.  Store in the fridge.