I think I would probably be classified as a "bad eater".  Though my love for all things food is undying I am not the greatest when it comes to feeding myself.  Sometimes I forget to eat until I realize I have to be out the door in five minutes.  Sometimes I get wrapped up in a fog of literature before realizing I never ate breakfast and it's 3pm.  This is what makes me a bad eater. 

Bad eaters need to arm themselves with solutions.  We need ready-made nourishment to grab while we are running out the door and searching aimlessly for our gloves.  We need healthy power food for on the go.  

Preferably healthy power food that happens to taste like dessert.  

Hint:  Chocolate is involved. 

These granola bars are packed full of nutrition.  Sweet and tangy dried cherries are a recent favorite of mine.  Almonds are always present and chia seeds somehow make our granola situation ultra trendy.  They also contain a whole lot of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids - good news for us bad eaters.    

I love how flexible granola is.  Adaptability would be its middle name, if granola bars had a middle name.  If cherries aren't your thing cranberries or raisins make fantastic substitutes.  Almonds can be exchanged for pecans or walnuts.  It's your granola game - make up your own rules.  

For all the bad eaters out there.  Here's your car snack.  Happy Weekending.  

Sincerely, 

  Pedantic Foodie 

Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond Granola Bars 

makes 9 bars 

• 1/2 cup honey 
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil 
• 3/4 teaspoon almond extract 
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/4 cup dried cherries
• 1/4 cup raw almonds 
• 1/8 cup shredded coconut 
• 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate 
• 1 cup old fashion oats 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  

In a large bowl combine honey and coconut oil.  Heat in microwave for 30 seconds or until the coconut oil has melted.  Stir in almond extract and salt.

Add almonds, chia seeds, cherries chocolate, and oats to the honey mixture.  Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well combined.  

Line an 8x8 pan with parchment and spread granola mixture evenly.  Press down to smooth the surface.  

Bake bars for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are deep golden and the center is firm.  

Allow to cool completely before slicing.  Wrap in parchment or plastic wrap until ready to serve.  Enjoy!