Macadamia Coconut Granola Bars

We did it!  The show was a resounding success.  Our last post detailed the last minute sewing, rhinestoning and general chaos that led up to the big day, the beginning of Liv's Competition Dance Season, and I'm here to say that it was all worth it.  

Liv and Molly ready for the Magic number!

My girl hit the stage a-glitter with all those beautiful (hand applied) sparkling rhinestones (I have currently have a great amount of appreciation for sparkle), the sash with my less than perfect stitches that didn't fall off and the hats and headbands that stayed together with large amounts of hidden gorilla glue and red duct tape.  She and her dance team members rocked the stage and brought many of us moms to tears in the process.

Liv and Ellie ready to hit the stage.  Liv's sash almost looks like a pro sewed it on!

Now that the costumes are complete, the real fun begins.  The team will travel the region in hopes of a trophy or two between now and the final competition, Nationals, on the stage in Vegas in early July.  Friday they will hit the road again with costume bags and makeup kits in hand as the first competition sets off.  They are ready!

Yesterday's performance was sort of a dry run for our studio and the girls danced for the community.  In between shows our tireless Booster Club put on a BBQ for the dancers and their families asking each family to provide a side or dessert.  Our assignment was dessert and I had it all planned - Macarons from Jill Colona's book Mad About Macaroons.  However time slipped away and the macarons didn't happen (coming soon!), but thankfully Carolyn of All Day I Dream About Food posted the ideal treat.  Wanting to provide the girls with something a bit sweet, but also something that would fuel them for the next show Carolyn's Granola Bars fit the bill.  Her description, "These are to die for", had me more than comfortable making them without a dry run.  She was right.

Macadamia nuts, crystallized ginger, coconut and dried mangoes brought a tropical flair to our grain filled bars while the rolled oats and golden flax meal provided much needed energy producing nutrition.  Honey and brown sugar lent the perfect amount of sweetness bringing us the ideal dancer treat.  Easy to toss together and filled with nutritional goodness along with a touch of sweetness these bars will be a regular in our household.  Thanks Carolyn, these bars are indeed to die for!!

Macadamia Coconut Granola Bars

adapted from Carolyn, All Day I Dream About Food

2 cups old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup flax seed meal
1 cup macadamia nuts, coarsely chopped (I used salted nuts)
1 cup dried mangoes, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped

1/3 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp water

Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper (I used foil), leaving an overhang on the ends for easy removal and cleanup. Grease parchment paper/foil.

In a large bowl, stir together the oats, flax seed meal, macadamias, mangoes, ginger, coconut and salt.

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter, sugar and honey together. Stir until sugar is dissolved.

Add butter mixture to oat mixture and stir until thoroughly combined. Spread mixture evenly in pan and press down firmly. Use the flat-bottom of a measuring cup if you have one.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes (they will be very soft), then lift bars out using edges of parchment. Let cool for another 20-30 minutes. Cut carefully into bars using a serrated bread knife.