A Most Glorious Granola Bar

I am a big fan of all things “cereal-esque” – whether granola, oat-based baked goods (hello, date square) or granola and energy bars that have certain cereal qualities. I also like the idea of fitting nutritional goodness into a bar shape, and then having that goodness available in an “on-the-go” and “pocket-sized” format (I like to think of myself as having a “busy lifestyle” that necessitates such things, but I usually just end up eating “on the go” foods while I Facebook-stalk).

Anyways, I am always on the prowl for new products or recipes that align themselves with my affinity for cereal/bars/nutrition/fast-paced lifestyle. In terms of packaged bars, I usually go for Luna Bars if I am forced to buy something – they don’t taste stellar, but they offer serious vitamin and mineral content in contrast to other “granola” bars that offer a lot of cane sugar and not much else.

Generally, I prefer to make my own granola bars, and have one incredible recipe to share with you. The beauty of this puppy is: a) versatility – add any nuts or dried fruit you want; b) nutrition – flax, nuts, and wheat germ? Amen; c) taste – addictive as crack, and taste better too!

Ingredients:

1 cup of quick oats (I buy fortified oats for more iron)

1/2 cup wheat germ

1/4 cup flour

1 cup dried fruit (raisins, chopped dates or apricots, etc)

1 cup nuts (walnuts, sunflower seeds, almonds)

2 tbsp flax meal

1/4 cup soy milk

1/3 cup maple syrup (or less, if you hate sweet things, you viscous beast!)

a few dashes of cinnamon

Mix everything. Press it in an oiled pan, and bake for around 20 minutes at around 375. Let it cool and cut into bars.