Granola Energy bites

Posted by Lisa

This is a recipe inspired by a friends recipe. 

 If you are looking for something "snackish", 

this has no added sugar (except a handful of choc chips 

which you could leave out) and has great crunch and flavor!

Ingredient List:

2 cup quick oatmeal

1/2 c unsweetened flaked coconut

1/2 c slivered almonds

1/2 c honey

3/4 c peanut butter

2 tsp vanilla

1/2 c choc chips

1/2 chopped dates

Directions:

1- I spread the oatmeal, coconut, and almonds on a cookie sheet and cooked until lightly toasted.  (you have to watch the coconut closely)  

2- warm the honey and pour into large bowl.  Add the peanut butter and stir to combine totally.  Add in the vanilla, dates and choc chips.  Stir together.

3- Once dry ingredients are toasted, stir into the honey mixture until combined.

4- Using scoop or spoon, place small mounds onto parchment paper and let set.  

5- Eat and enjoy!  

***you can mix in your favorites...raisins, peanuts, dried fruit, flax seed...***

Toasted Almond Granola

In an effort to eat healthier, I have been adding this to plain yogurt (yes you read that correctly). Actually, I mix plain and vanilla together and add the granola with some craisins mixed into it. That makes it all tolerable. But, healthier than the fruit/sweet yogurt.

My kids just eat the granola as is. They really like it, so I have to stash some away for myself and my yummy plain yogurt or it would be all gone! Then what? Plain yogurt by itself? Not going to happen.

This recipe is from http://www.joythebaker.com/ . I love her site. I have made several things from there and have always been pleased.

Makes 8 cups (adapted from Martha Stewart it says)

4 cups old fashioned oats

1 cup silvered raw almonds

1 cup whole raw almonds

1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

3 tbsp butter

1/4 c vegetable oil

1/4 c honey

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

Place a rack in the upper third and middle of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees. Line one large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Whisk together oats, almonds, coconut, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.

Heat, butter, oil, honey and brown sugar until the sugar is dissolvede and the mixture begins to boil. Carefully whisk together so it's well incorporated. Add the vanilla. Pour the warm mixture over the dry ingredients and toss together until all are moistened.

Spread mixture onto prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 min. stirring twice during baking. Remove from oven and let cool. Store in airtight contaier for up to two weeks.

(I cooked mine about 15 minutes longer. I wanted it crunchier)