No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal CocoNUT bars (or cookies)

2 cups of sucanat

1/2 cup of honey, agave, or maple

1/2 cup of UNSWEETENED applesauce 

1/2 cup of coconut oil

1 cup of unsweetened cocoa

1 cup of organic peanut or almond butter (chunky or smooth)

2 tsp of pure vanilla extract

3 cups of old-fashioned oats

**Optional:  1/2 cup or so of shredded unsweetened coconut flakes, 1/4 cup or so of chia seeds

DIRECTIONS:

1. Grease an 9x11 pan.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sucanat, honey, applesauce, coconut oil, and cocoa.  Bring to boil over medium-high heat STIRRING CONSTANTLY for about 2-3 minutes.  Remove from heat.
3. Whisk in the nut butter and vanilla extract.
4. Using a spatula, fold in the oats, shredded coconut flakes, and chia.
5. Pour into greased pan, allow to cool and then refrigerate for 3-4 hours until completely set.  Cut into bars and serve!  (NOTE:  If you want them to be COOKIES, using a spoon drop balls onto wax paper and refrigerate until set)