Soaked Granola Bars

Raising Healthy Children Wednesday

This picture does not do these granola bars any justice. (I have a wonderfully simple digital camera that doesn't capture food well up close) This granola bar recipe is simple, versatile, and delicious. Soaking the oats really is the key to have these chewey bars stay together. I do not like really sweet bars, if you do, add more honey.

Soaked Granola Bars

4 1/2 cups rolled oats

1 1/2 cup soaking liquid (see directions)

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup honey (raw)

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup natural peanut butter (if not using peanut butter, double butter)

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1 tsp sea salt

Add-ins: Try any combination of 2 cups or less of: dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, chopped dates, etc), sunflower seeds, walnuts, coconut flakes, chocolate chips…

1. Mix rolled oats with soaking liquid in a large bowl. Soaking liquid options: Almond milk, kefir, coconut milk, plain yogurt, or a half and half with water. Cover and let soak 4-12hours. (I like half coconut milk, half water)

2. Lightly butter a 9×13-inch pan. (I used a longer pan which made them thinner)

3. In a sauce pan combine butter, honey and vanilla. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in peanut butter.

4. Add flour and sea salt to oats. Stir

5. Add butter mixture to oats mixture. Stir well. Allow to cool

6. Stir in add-ins.

7. Press mixture into pan — really jam it in there so your bars don’t fall apart. (You can use your hands!)

Bake at 325 degrees for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into bars. Let bars cool completely in pan before removing and serving.

*Taydem followed the recipe and made these bars by himself, almost, for a lesson on measurement. (That is why the directions are worded so simply!)