Granola Bites/Bars

I was looking for an alternative to buying granola bars for school lunches, and found a recipe that was pretty authentic in recreating the Quaker oat granola bars we tend to purchase. 

Instead of spreading in a pan and cutting into bars, I scooped into mini liners and made bites. Whichever you make, they need to "CURE" overnight to harden, and unstick.

2 1/2 c. QUICK oats

1/2 c. crisp cereal (Rice Krispy style)

1/2 c. mini chocolate chips

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 t. salt

1/2 c. oil

1/4 c. honey

1/2 t. vanilla

(I added 3 T. flax as well)

Mix dry together, EXCEPT chocolate, and pour wet ingredients on top. When mixed together, add chips and mix in again. Bake 350 degrees, bites 12-15 and bars 17-22.

I was pleased to see the boys grab the container and help themselves without being asked! They are great for lunches with a couple in a baggie, and work well for snacks on the run.

I think I will be trying raisin/coconut/nut, and cranberries/white chocolate next.

Apricot Honey Oatmeal

3-1/2 c. water

1/3 c. chopped, dried apricots (about 4)

1/4 c. honey

1/2 t. ground cinnamon

2 c. oats

Bring water, apricots, honey and cinnamon to a boil. Stir in oats; return to boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook about 1 minute for quick oats or 5 for old fashioned oats. Cook until most liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let stand until desired consistency. Or, throw everything in a rice cooker, and wait for the button to turn yellow. I loved this recipe! It's very delicious. Don't be tempted to increase the water. The honey compensates for missing liquid. I really liked this recipe because everything came out of my food storage. How perfect is that! Recipe courtesy of Quaker Oats ~ Chef Smores