Sweet & Salty Popcorn Granola Bars

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup Solspring^® Biodynamic^® Organic Whole Almonds – Lightly Salted
• 8 cups air-popped popcorn
• ½ cup pitted dates
• 3 Tbsp. Solspring^® Biodynamic^® Organic Coconut Oil
• ½ cup Solspring^® In-Conversion Biodynamic^® Organic Maple Syrup
• ½ cup Solspring^® Biodynamic^® Almond Butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• ½ tsp. Solspring^® Real Salt^® Ancient Fine Sea Salt
• Flaky salt to garnish, if desired

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Place the oats and almonds on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from oven and let cool. Then remove the almonds from the baking sheet and roughly chop.
3. While the oats and almonds are roasting, pop the popcorn. Measure out 8 cups, place in a large bowl and crush with your hands. Add the oats and almonds. Roughly chop the dates and fold to incorporate.
4. Line an 8 x 8” square brownie pan with parchment paper and set aside.
5. In a small saucepan, melt the coconut oil over low-medium heat, then add the maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla and salt. Whisk until thoroughly combined.
6. Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients. Fold well until the mixture is evenly coating the oats and popcorn. Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan, sprinkle with flaky salt, and press everything down until even and fully compact, especially around the edges.
7. Place in the freezer to firm up for at least 1 hour. Once chilled, remove from the pan and cut it into whatever size bars you desire, and enjoy! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one month.