A few weeks ago I went to my local store to explore the ingredients in the various health bars. I was totally shocked to discover that every single bar contained hydrogenated fat. You’d think if you were paying over 3 dollars for a health bar, it should be healthy. Wrong!
Totally disgruntled, I decided to make my own. I dug around online and found a basic recipe and amended it to meet the following criteria:
It had to be:
- Easy to make
- Delicious
- No artificial ingredients
- High in fiber
- High in omega 3 fatty acid
- Nutritious
Here’s my recipe for granola bars on steroids:
- 5 cups of quick oats
- 1 ½ cups firmly packed dark brown sugar
- ½ cup melted butter (No fake butter substitutes that are made with hydrogenated fat.)
- ¾ cup raw honey (warmed slightly for ease in handling)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla
- ½ teaspoon salt (slightly mounded)
- 1 1/2 cups walnuts chopped fairly fine
- 1 ¼ cups Craisins (You can substitute raisins or other dry fruit if you like. Just be sure whatever fruit you add contains No sulfites!)
Note: The original recipe added sesame seeds or coconut as an option to coat the bars. I opted out of this.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Mix the dry ingredients together very well. Add the butter, honey, and vanilla to dry ingredients and mix well. Pack mixture firmly onto greased 16X12X1 inch pan and bake for 10 – 12 minutes or until golden brown on top. Watch closely so as not to scorch your creation. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Cut bars into desired size. (I cut mine into roughly 2 inches wide by 4 inches long for 24 bars.)
When completely cool, wrap bars in plastic wrap and store in cabinet.
These granola bars were a huge hit at my last spa party. They are great for the on-the-go family and a wonderful snack anytime, particularly with a cup of hot green tea after a luxurious bath.
A message to you:
Hey, a quick note. I know many of you have found similar discoveries to mine. So, if you have a really good healthy snack recipe, let’s hear about it.
Remember though, it must be:
- Easy to make
- Delicious
- No artificial ingredients
- Nutritious
Now go have fun and relax.
Related articles:
The Quick, Easy and Delicious Parfait Spa Snack
Delectable Spa Snacks
What Are Your Best Snack Ideas?
Snacks for Beautiful Skin
The Perfect Spa Snack – Goji Berries