Hit the Books(Granola Bar recipe)

It was wet, it was cold, but I had a great time chalking the route for the "Almost 5k" this morning. Dave was such a trooper for coming, and even got third overall!

Our table with my granola bars for a 'post race' snack





The granola bars were a hit, so I decided to make another batch this afternoon, as a study break. I literally studied ALL day! I am pooped and ready to hit the hay, and do it ALL over again tomorrow and Monday! I've got another MNT(Medical Nutrition Therapy) exam, and a epi presentation on Tuesday- good times! :)

But, back to those granola bars first!


The 'cooled' bars...someone must have stolen a piece...who was that? ME! :)



Granola Bars

2 1/2 cups of oats(gluten free, if you need it)
1/2 cup of sunflower seeds
1/2 to 3/4 cups of walnut pieces
1/2 cup of honey( I used a little more than 1/3 cup)
2/3 cup of brown sugar
4 tbsp. of canola oil
1/2 cup of raisins
1/4 cup of chopped dates
parchment paper(NOT WAX paper)

Preheat oven to 350. Toast oats, walnuts, and sunflower seeds for 10-14 minutes, until nuts taste toasted. While oat mixture is toasting, place dried fruit in a large bowl, and set aside. Next, place sugar, honey and canola oil in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. When oats are done, place them with the fruit in the large bowl, then cover with the saucepan 'glue.' BE CAREFUL it's HOT!! Mix well, and place on a cookie sheet or a sheet cake pan lined with parchement paper. Spread out evenly, then fold over the sides of the parchement or add a sheet on top, and PRESS HARD. Wait for up to 2-3hours until the bar is cool. Then, cut and store! Great on the go snack!