I literally make this recipe AT LEAST twice a week, never fail! We've even made them on vacation. It is super easy and kind of makes you feel like a rockstar because through the week you have quick breakfasts, healthy snacks on-the-go, substantial food for new moms or those that are sick. I mean, it's a cure all and your kids can be a part of making this.
Another huge perk to these...they are so impressive at mom's nights out!! See bottom right pic :) I make these into balls instead of bars and then roll in chocolate. if you're rushed on time you can buy melting chips (come in white chocolate or milk chocolate) and just microwave and roll balls in it and then put in fridge to harden. TIP - store these on a baking sheet so they don't harden together. I learned this the hard way. :(
Otherwise, I melt chocolate chips with a little bit of cream and sugar and roll the balls in that so then I can chose semi-sweet or dark chocolate which I prefer.
Recipe:
-5 1/2 cups quick oats (this is import! do not use old fashioned oats unless you have to and then cut to 5 cups and put in food processor first. they are too large to stick together and soak up too much of the honey so they dry out)
-1 cup honey (doesn't have to be fancy and I actually would go for cheapest. always best to chose local honey to help with allergies)
-1 1/2 cups nut butter (I prefer peanut butter, but you can chose any just make sure it's clean. and "natural" does not mean clean!! no added oil OR sugar, just nuts and maybe salt if you chose)
-1/2 cup chocolate chips (mini semi-sweet or dark chocolate, regular size choc chips are too big to stick together), OR coconut, OR craisans. If you add 2 or more of these toppings, drop the oats 1/2 cup so they aren't too dry.
Mix well. Doesn't require a fancy mixer, but your wrist might get sore. Ha! Pour into a 9"x13" pan if making granola bars. Smooth it out with wax paper and press down. Put in fridge for an hour and cut with a knife or brownie slicer (I liked them to be even in size so I use this). Wrap in aluminum foil and separate layers with wax paper so they don't stick together.
Granola straight from the freezer tastes like cookie dough. You've been warned :) It's hard to just have one bite.
Servings: 20 bars. freezes for 2 months or can go in the fridge, but don't leave out because it will get too sticky. I like to freeze them so that when I have them for a snack or lunch later they are perfectly soft. FYI - straight out of the freezer they taste like cookie dough...just sayin' :)
21 day containers: 1 bar = 2 yellows, 2 tsp. if you roll into heaping TBSP balls then each ball = 1 yellow, 1 tsp.