Tuesday 28 February 2012

Granola Bars

One bowl, one pot, one pan is all it takes to makes these delicious granola bars. These might not be the lowest calorie granola bars out there but they are definitely packed full of healthy goodness and are a perfect alternative to store bought.

Preheat oven to 350F. In a food processor, blender or by hand crush peanuts and almonds.



In a large bowl, toss together crushed almonds and peanuts, oats, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, pepitas, coconut and cinnamon.


 Spread mixture in a 9x13 pan.


Toast in oven for 15 to 20 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes so mixture toast evenly. Let mixture cool.


Put mixture back in bowl and add cranberries, flax seed and chia seed. Toss.


Line the 9x13 pan with saran wrap or wax paper. Set aside.


 In a medium sauce pan, add brown sugar and honey. Bring to a boil on medium heat.


Add butter and return to a rolling boil for 1 minute.


 Add honey mixture to oat mixture and stir quickly.


When oat mixture is almost completely coated in honey mixture, add chocolate chips and mix once or twice more.


 Add entire mixture to prepared pan and it spread out.


Add another piece of saran or wax paper on top and firmly press the mixture into the pan evenly. If mixture is too hot, place a towel on top. Let cool for about one hour.


Once cooled, flip onto a cutting board and remove saran wrap or wax paper. Cut into desired sizes.


To individually wrap: Cut off a piece of saran wrap about 12 inches long. Place 3 bars on the top edge.


Take the edge of the saran and roll bars over. Add 3 more bars at the bottom and repeat.


Cut wrap width wise and length wise to separate each bar. Fold over lose ends.


Tada!


 Homemade Granola Bars
3 cups oats
2/3 cup peanuts
2/3 cup almonds
3/4 cup wheat germ
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
1/3 cup pepitas (pumpkin seed)
1/3 cup coconut
1 tbsp cinnamon
2 tbsp flax seed (optional)
2 tbsp chia seed (optional)
1 cup dried cranberries or raisins
1/2 cup honey
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup chocolate chips


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