Crunchy & Chewy Granola Squares (Gluten Free)

Chocolate dipped grain, fruit & nut granola squares.

Ingredients:
1 cup Organic Quinoa Ancient Blend (quinoa, amaranth & millet)  or plain quinoa
1 cup old fashioned oats
1/2 cup shredded coconut
2 tablespoons chia seeds (optional)
1/2 cup chopped almonds, pecans, peanuts or cashews
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup almond, peanut or cashew butter
3/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon canola oil
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 cup Hershey's Special Dark chocolate chips (or semi sweet chocolate chips) (Optional)
1 tablespoon butter flavor (or regular) shortening (Optional)

Method:
Preheat oven to 350*. Spread quinoa and oats on a baking sheet and bake in oven for 8 minutes. Grease the bottom and sides of a 9 x 13 inch glass pan. Add toasted grains to a large mixing bowl. Add coconut, chia seeds, nuts, cranberries and raisins to the grains and stir. In a medium saucepan, combine salt, nut butter, honey, oil and brown sugar. Bring to boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and pour over mixture in bowl. Stir until dry ingredients are evenly coated. Pour into greased baking dish. Press mixture to spread evenly in pan. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cool for at least 2 hours. Cut into squares.

These granola squares taste great, just as they are, but, if desired, you can dip them in chocolate.
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment or waxed paper.
Place a bowl over simmering water in a saucepan. Add chocolate chips and shortening to bowl. Stir until melted and blended.

Dip bottoms of granola squares in melted chocolate and place on lined baking sheets. Place in refrigerator until the chocolate is cooled and hardened.

Remove from baking sheets and store in an airtight container. (Place sheets of waxed or parchment paper between layers of chocolate dipped granola squares.) Makes approximately 3 dozen.

Notes: Quinoa is a great addition to a healthy diet due to its anti-inflammatory qualities. Quinoa also adds small amounts of the beneficial  omega-3 fatty acid ALA. (alpha-linolenic acid)