Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as raisins or cranberries)
- 1/4 cup brown rice syrup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, and dried fruit.
3. In a saucepan, combine the brown rice syrup, honey, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the syrup mixture over the oat mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press down firmly with a wooden spoon.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
Makes 12 bars
Nutritional information:
Calories: 180
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 14g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Brown rice syrup can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Honey can be substituted with brown rice syrup or agave nectar.
- Coconut oil can be substituted with butter or vegetable oil.
- Rolled oats can be substituted with quick oats or a combination of rolled and quick oats.
- Chopped nuts and dried fruit can be substituted with any preferred nuts and dried fruit.
Variations:
- Add chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
- Add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor.
- Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Press the mixture down firmly in the baking dish to ensure the bars hold together.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting into bars to prevent them from falling apart.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Storage instructions:
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Reheating instructions:
The bars can be reheated in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the bars on a platter or in a basket for a casual presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt or chopped nuts.
Pairings:
Serve with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with fresh fruit or a side salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the bars are too crumbly, try adding more syrup or honey to the mixture before baking.
Food safety advice:
Store the bars in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
Food history:
Granola bars were invented in the late 1800s by Dr. James Caleb Jackson, who created a breakfast cereal made from baked graham flour, which he called "granula."
Flavor profiles:
The bars are sweet and nutty with a chewy texture.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the bars as a snack or a quick breakfast on-the-go.
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Taste: Crispy, Sweet, Nutty, Caramelized