Thursday, April 09, 2009
Friday, April 03, 2009
Way Better than Store Bought Granola Bars
1 1/2 cups rolled oats (Not the quick cooking kind)
1/2 cup crushed peanuts
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup natural peanut butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
2T Nutella
1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
1/4 cup dried apricots, finely chopped
Preheat the oven to 325. Line a square baking pan (8 or 9 inches) with two perpendicular sheets of parchment/waxed paper that are long enough to leave an overhang. The sheets will form a “basket” for you to lift out the sheet of granola.
Combine the oats and nuts; spread out evenly on the rimmed baking sheet and toast for 15 minutes. When the oat mixture has been toasting for about 10 minutes, combine the honey, peanut butter, brown sugar and Nutella in a medium sauce pan over medium-low heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
When the oat mixture is done toasting, transfer it to a large bowl and add the honey mixture and fruit; stir to incorporate. Spread the mixture in the prepared square pan, using the back of a wooden spoon. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the mixture into the pan and create a smooth, even surface.
Place pan in the fridge for at least 2 hours to cool. Using your parchment “handles,” lift the granola sheet out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Using a large sharp knife, cut the sheet into one-inch wide bars. Next, cut the series of bars in half, lengthwise. Store in an airtight container.