Granola bars make a great passage snack or even breakfast. These are loaded with “good for you” ingredients and are quick and easy to make. The downside to these is that they need to stay refrigerated but since they are so easy you can make them in small batches.
This recipe is one that can be adapted to just about any taste. I make changes to it all the time depending upon what we have on board. Substitutions are easy. The key here is to make sure you get the wet to dry ratio correct. That is, you need to have 3 cups of dry ingredients to 1/2 Cup + 4 Tablespoons wet ingredients. Be creative!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 Cup Honey
- 1 Cup Old fashioned Oats
- 1 Cup Crispy Granola
- 1 Cup Dried Fruit and/or Nuts (Our favorite is dried blueberries and cherries with almonds)
- 4 Tablespoons Peanut Butter
- Sprinkle Cinnamon to taste if you like.
- Optional: 1/4 Cup Dark Chocolate Chips
In small pan, heat honey and peanut butter over medium heat. One the mixtures gets to a rolling bubble, cook for about 30 seconds to one minute. It should get to a nice amber color. Don’t let it get too dark or you will end up with candy!
Once mixture has reached amber color, turn off heat and if you want the chocolate version, add the chocolate chips.
Next add the oats, granola, nuts and fruits and stir until well combined.
Line a 9 x 9 pan with parchment paper making certain you have extra hanging off on the ends.
Pour the mixture into the pan and press down firmly until mixture is smooth. I use the smooth side of a meat tenderizer to press the mixture into the pan. It’s important that you get it flat and smooth.
Cover mixture with another sheet of parchment paper and place in the refrigerator for 45 minutes or until cool.
Remove from refrigerator. Use the extra parchment paper that is hanging over the sides the remove the bar entire bar from the pan. Cut into squares. Depending up the size you choose you will end up with 12-16 bars.
Roll individual bars in parchment paper and refrigerate.
*Note: Like I said, you can be very creative with this recipe. Sometimes I add flaxseed and sometimes I omit the chocolate chips for a peanut butter delight. Other times I add raisins, craisens, walnuts, pistachios etc.. Whatever you like best, try it.
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