Bean Granola Bars

Drain, rinse and dry the pinto beans. Place them in a food processor and blend until smooth.

In a large bowl, combine the pureed beans, flour, brown sugar, oatmeal, granola, dark raisins, coconut, almonds and other optional dried fruits, if desired. Add the melted butter, honey, vanilla, cinnamon and salt and mix well.

Press the mixture firmly and evenly into a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle a small amount of granola on top for a garnish. Using a large metal spatula, firmly press the mixture down in the pan. (Compressing the mixture will help the granola bars hold together after cooking.)

Bake the granola bar mixture in a 350 degrees F oven until browned and firm to the touch in the center, 20 to 30 minutes. Again, press the baked mixture firmly with a metal spatula. Cool completely.

Cover and refrigerate overnight before cutting into bars. Store the bars in a covered container in the refrigerator.