Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup Vitam-R (vegetable-based spread)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate
- 1/4 tsp salt
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-step instructions:
a. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
b. Line the baking dish with parchment paper.
c. In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, chopped dried cranberries, chopped dark chocolate, and salt.
d. In a saucepan, melt the Vitam-R, honey, and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until smooth.
e. Pour the melted mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
f. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press down firmly.
g. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
h. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
5. Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
12 bars
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of Vitam-R, you can use any vegetable-based spread.
- Instead of honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Instead of brown sugar, you can use coconut sugar or granulated sugar.
- Instead of almonds, you can use any other nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
- Instead of dried cranberries, you can use raisins or chopped dates.
- Instead of dark chocolate, you can use milk chocolate or white chocolate.
Variations:
- Add shredded coconut or chia seeds to the dry ingredients.
- Use different types of nuts or dried fruits.
- Add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the melted mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- Press down the mixture firmly into the baking dish to ensure that the bars hold together.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting 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 eaten cold or warmed up in the microwave for a few seconds.
Presentation ideas:
Wrap the bars in parchment paper or plastic wrap for a portable snack.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle some extra chopped nuts or dried fruit on top of the bars.
Pairings:
Enjoy the bars with a glass of almond milk or a cup of coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
The bars can be enjoyed as a snack or paired with fresh fruit or yogurt for breakfast.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the bars are too crumbly, try pressing down the mixture more firmly before baking. If they are too soft, bake for a few more minutes until golden brown.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to store the bars in an airtight container to prevent them from getting stale or moldy.
Food history:
Granola bars were first invented in the late 1800s as a health food for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Flavor profiles:
The bars have a sweet and nutty flavor with a hint of chocolate.
Serving suggestions:
The bars can be enjoyed as a snack or as a quick breakfast on-the-go.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A