Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Granola Bars So Good They Pass as a Dessert
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My wife makes the best granola bars imaginable.  To me they are like eating a dessert dish.  I am not a huge dessert guy, but these delicious granola bars are so good that I usually eat too many.  What is great is that while making the bars themselves is wonderful, you also get the added benefit of making your own granola, which you can use as a cereal or yogurt topping.  People who stopped by the store yesterday were able to sample these granola bars, and they were a big hit!  You will have to break out a few of your food storage items, and maybe even hit the grocery store, but it will be worth it.
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We wanted to share these great recipes with you so you can enjoy them too:

GRANOLA
Mix Dry Ingredients in separate bowl:

3 cups rolled oats

1 cup shredded coconut

1 cup almonds, chopped

1 cup pecans, chopped

1 cup cashew pieces, chopped

½ cup sesame seeds

½ cup sunflower seeds

¼ cup chia seeds

½ cup toasted wheat germ

 Melt over low heat:

1/3 cup maple syrup

1/3 cup butter (or coconut oil)

½ cup brown sugar

Remove above mixture from heat then add:

1 tsp. vanilla
Then pour over dry ingredient mixture, mix, then spread small amount to cover a 15x10x1 inch baking pan.  Bake in oven at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes, stirring once.

 Stir in freeze dried or dehydrated fruit

1 cup freeze dried strawberries

 Cool.  Store in air tight container in a cool place or refrigerator or use in Chewy Strawberry Granola Bar Recipe

CHEWY STRAWBERRY GRANOLA BARS
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Add to sauce pan:

½ cup packed brown sugar

½ cup butter

1/3 cup honey
In a sauce pan combine brown sugar, butter and honey.  Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

Mix together:

5 cups granola

½ cup whole wheat flour

½ cup freeze dried strawberries


Pour brown sugar mixture over granola, mix and press into buttered 11x7x1.5 inch pan.  Cool and cut into bars.