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Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a bread pan with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, almonds, cherries, rice crispies, and pumpkin seeds.
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In a small saucepan, heat dates, maple syrup, butter, vanilla extract, and peanut butter over medium heat for three to five minute, or until the dates has softened.
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Use an immersion blender to blend the warm mixture into a thick paste (alternatively, use a food processor to blend into a paste).
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Add paste to oats mixture and mix until all the dry ingredients are coated.
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Transfer the mixture to prepared baking sheet and press the mixture down firmly to help hold shape.
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Bake for 25 – 30 minutes or until the edges begin to brown. Remove from heat and let cool completely before slicing into rectangles.
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In a double boiler, melt the chocolate. Drizzle chocolate over granola bars and let cool completely before slicing.
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If not serving right away, store in an airtight container for up to three days.