I have a very simple recipe for granola bars, but use muffin tins instead. This keeps them consistent in size, and easier to portion. I recommend buying ingredients in bulk. If you have a Whole Foods, or Winco in your area, these stores offer a ton of ingredients that are less expensive because you pay for what you need and what you want in weight. It's a lot of fun shopping this way.
Yield 12 Granola "Cups"
Ingredients:Â 4 Cups Granola (your choice in flavor)
1/2 Cup Ground Flax Seed
1 Cup Natural Peanut Butter (or Almond Butter)
1/4 Cup Honey
1/4 Cup Dark Chocolate Chips (optional)
1. Gently heat peanut butter and honey in microwave for 45 seconds, or until easily stirred.
2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Portion into a non stick muffin tin.
4. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes, or until granola is golden brown.
5. Let cool for 15 minutes. Store in airtight container and use within 7 days.
Peanut butter provides you with protein, adding flax seed gives you an omega 3 fatty acid boost, dark chocolate is high in antioxidants, and honey is beneficial for digestion, and is a sweetener that is easily metabolized by the body.
I love making these and eating them for breakfast. As a cook, we need a lot of energy to get us through a physically demanding service.