Homemade Chewy Granola Bars

Homemade granola bars are a staple at our house.  I could easily eat half a tray by myself throughout the day.  I have been using this recipe.  I think they are delicious.  Granola bars are fun because you can just through whatever nuts or dried fruits that you have on hand into the mix. Chocolate chips are great for a little sweeter snack.  You could also add peanut butter if you like.

The original recipe using a bar pan - I don't have one so I just use a 9x13 Glass dish,  I tried my cookie sheet but didn't like way the bars cooked.  I may just end up buying a bar pan.

Here is my variation:

SOFT CHEWY GRANOLA BARS

• 1 2/3 cups rolled oats
• 1/3 cup raw honey 
• 1/4 cup organic brown sugar  
• 1/3 cup whole wheat pastry flour (I grind my own wheat) 
• 1/2 tsp salt 
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup unsweetened grated coconut
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup raisins

Mix everything together in a bowl.  Press your mixture down firmly in a greased and parchment lined 9x13 glass baking dish.  Lay a piece of parchment paper on top.  Now press down - this is what makes your bars hold together - so get creative and press HARD!  I set my 7x11 glass baking dish on the top parchment paper and set a case of water bottles on top for 5 minutes, then move the 7x11 around and repeat until all the surface is pressed really well.  Then use your hand and push in any loose edges.  Bake at 350 degrees in the oven for 20-25 minutes.

If you like them softer under cook them, crispier cook them longer.

Let the bars cool for at least 2 hours, then lift out of the pan, and cut into squares or rectangles.

If you have other flavors or ingredients you have tried please leave a comment.  I'm always looking for new variations.

Baking with Freshly Milled Flour

I started a new adventure on my pursuit of healthy cooking for my family.

I just starting to mill all my own flour.  Here is a very good explanation of the health benefits of freshly milled grains.

Freshly Milled Baking: Health Benefits: Whole grains contain almost 90% of all the vitamins, minerals, and protein you’ll ever need. However, commercially milled products don’t off…

Another great resource is www.Breadbeckers.com.  I have been watching their teaching videos almost every day.

So this weeks photos are...

Whole Wheat Bread - hard red wheat was used

Tortillas - hard red wheat

I used this recipe for the tortillas.  Very easy and very delicious.