As moms, we are constantly on a quest to keep both ourselves and our families healthy. Does that mean we never eat fast food? Maybe not. But we do want to do what we can to try healthier versions of some of our favorite foods. Did you know that you can make a homemade version of granola bars that you can customize to your family's tastes? Here's a fruit and nut version you can try!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal (not quick oats)
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup roasted sunflower nuts
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup chopped dried strawberries
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x12" baking dish with parchment paper and set aside. Toss the oatmeal and almonds together on a separate baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly brown.
- Remove the oatmeal and almond mixture from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees. Pour the oatmeal and almond mixture into a large bowl and stir in the sunflower nuts.
- Place the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the oatmeal mixture.
- Add the apricots and strawberries and mix well. Pour the mixture into the baking dish prepared with parchment. Lightly press down on the mixture to even it out in the dish. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool for 3-4 hours before cutting into squares.
Variations: Add coconut, peanut butter chips or chocolate chips in place of the dried fruit. You could also use flax seeds instead of the sunflower nuts, or other dried fruits instead of the apricots and strawberries. Think about what your family likes and go with it.
