It’s that time of year, the holidays are coming to an end, time to sit back and reevaluate the important things in your life and the changes you want to incorporate for the new year. There are so many things to be thankful for, and this year has been full of so many life changing events for me and my family as I’m sure the same goes for so many of you.
With the new year around the corner, it’s important to set goals that are obtainable and something that you can legitimately blend into your daily routine. Don’t ever set yourself up for failure. Along with those goals will come the natural hectic lifestyle crunch! Work, kids, kids school, gym, activities, significant others, friends and our domestic duties! Where to begin you ask? With your health and making sure that you are properly fueling your body for success!
I’m constantly on the go, and that’s before I even try to incorporate any changes for the new year… I used to often find myself hungry in between running errands, kid’s activities, work etc. and I hate having to waste money on fast food stops! Not to mention those empty calories! I knew there had to be a tasty fueling treat that I could take along and enjoy that would support my busy lifestyle. I wanted something easy, kid friendly, tasty and healthy! SQUIRREL!
I decided to research and create my very own granola bar recipe! Needless to say… They are A-MAZ-ING! The worst part about them is that they are so good, I have to make sure I don’t take more than I need with me because I just want to snack on it! (Defeats one of my New Year goals!)
These granola bars are kid tested and approved! They are so good that I will make them and offer them in work meetings or as a post workout treat… my neighbors even make special requests! The recipe is simple and that makes it easy to add or adjust the types of nuts, fruit etc. that fits your taste the best. So you can really make it into your own!
Ingredients:
- 2 C Old fashioned oats
- ¾ C Steel cut oats
- ¾ C Sunflower seeds (Raw if possible)
- 2 T Flax seed
- 1/2 C Coarsely chopped almonds
- ½ C Coarsely chopped walnuts
- ⅔ C Brown sugar
- ½ C Agave
- 4 T Butter
- 2 t Vanilla extract
- ½ t Hawaiian salt
- 1 C dried cranberries
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Step 2: Combine the oats, seeds, and coarsely chopped nuts in a baking dish. Set a timer for 12 minutes and sir the mixture every 3 minutes to ensure there is no scorching.
Step 3: Prepare a 13×9 inch pan by spraying it lightly with cooking spray/ non stick spray.
Step 4: On the stove- heat the sugar, honey, butter, vanilla, and salt over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently.
Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, combine your toasted oat mixture, dried fruit, and Agave. Stir well to coat evenly.
Step 6: Using a wooden spoon (Or your hand- just make sure it is moist otherwise the oats will stick to your hand), press mixture into prepared pan. Allow it to cool for 2-3 hours.
Step 7: Turn pan over a large cutting board and use a large knife to cut it into bars or squares. Wrap bars individually or store in a large container separating bars with waxed paper. The agave can get warm at room temperature, so the fridge is a great storage place!
You can place them in storage bags, a container or whatever works best for your lifestyle routine! Mangia!
Tips:
- You can try different nuts- like peanuts!
- You can try different fruit! Ideas: Apricots, Craisins, Pineapple, Raisins etc.!
- Try honey instead of agave- same ratio!
- Try another flavor of extract! Idea: Almond, Orange, Maple, etc.!
Secret Squirrel Moment 