I am addicted to the goop blog (www.goop.com). I came across a healthy recipe on the goop website that I must share with you. In theory granola-type snack bars are supposed to be good for you, but the kind you buy in the store have too many artificial chemicals and unnecessary preservatives.
The nice thing about this recipe is you can swap out any of the top 4 ingredients listed for something similar in texture and value.
Use as close to organic as you can find for the healthiest results. The mixture takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then only 30 minutes in a pre-heated oven.
Ingredients
- 1 cup porridge oats
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 10 dates chopped finely
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (the higher quality maple syrup you use the better the results)
- 2 tablespoons manuka honey (or regular honey)
- 1 tablespoon light olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Pre-heat oven to 350 °F.
Step 1: Blend first 4 ingredients together in a bowl with a fork, then add the next 2 and continue to mix.
Step 2: Blend together the last 4 ingredients until well mixed and then mash into dry ingredients using a fork until well mixed.
Step 3: Spread in the bottom of a non-stick or foil lined small baking tray (6 x 8 inches or smaller).
Step 4: Bake for 30 minutes. Let sit for a bit, but then enjoy!
Tammy’s Tips:
- Use a good quality blender, like a Vitamix, to chop the dates (time saver!)
- Use a muffin/cupcake pan with liners. This creates pre-portioned snacks you can just grab and go (no cutting).
- DO NOT cook over 30 minutes. I did this the first time I made them because I didn’t think it was done enough. Big Mistake.
- Crumble over plain oatmeal – makes a nutritious oatmeal topper.
- Add some to a smoothie