Rad Recipe

On Monday we started talking about making super swaps. Aaannnddd I had some recipes I promised to share. Yes, yes. Here is the first one! A great snack option :)

Trisha's Homemade Granola Bars

3 cups of oats

*1/2 c. whole wheat flour

chopped/slivered or whole almonds

1-2 tsp. cinnamon

3/4 c. honey

1 c. natural peanut butter
1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce

*(I've made them without the flour before since I can't have wheat flour. But when I make them for other people I add it since it just gives them a bit more substance)

First step: in a bowl, mix the oats, flour, cinnamon and almonds. I like to chop my almond up, but sometimes I add some whole ones as well. (other optional add-ins: coconut, peanuts, dried fruit)

 

Second Step: Over the stove I melt the honey and peanut butter. I lost the picture of this...but be sure to keep the heat on low so you don't burn it. It doesn't have to be completely melted before you mix it in with the dry stuff, just smooth and mixed together. 

Third Step: Combine the dry mix and the mix from the stove. Then add the applesauce as well. Mix very well to make sure all the oats are covered with the peanut butter honey goodness!

Fourth Step: Pour into a 9 x 13 pan lined with wax paper. Then use your hands and firmly press the mix into the pan. If you don't press it in firm enough, it won't stay together after you cook it. 

Fifth Step: Put it in a 350 degree oven for about 20 to 22 minutes...until lightly toasted on top

Sixth Step: (this is the worst part...) take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 45 minutes before cutting

It makes about 16 bars, depending on the size you want

  If you cut too soon, it will just break. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing...since then you just have delicious granola!

Besides the fact that these are incredibly yummy...check out these nutrition facts compared to the store bought granola bars:

Chewy Granola Bars: over 20 ingredients, 100 calories, 1 gram of fiber, 7 grams of sugar, 1 gram of protein

Nutri-Grain Bars: over 20 ingredients, 130 calories, 3 grams of fiber, 12 grams of sugar, 2 grams of protein

TRISHA'S GRANOLA BARS: only 7 ingredients, 200 calories, 3 grams of fiber, 2 grams of sugar, 6 grams of protein

**They're more filling, tasty, only have ingredients you can read, low in sugar (and it's all natural sugar!), and a good source of protein for a snack. Can't beat em!

~Do you have any good healthy snack recipes?