Favorite Homemade Granola Protein Bars
Favorite Homemade Granola Protein Bars
Adapted from a recipe by Alton Brown
Ingredients:
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup whey protein
- 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup wheat germ
- 1/4 cup flax seed
- 1/2 cup locally made organic honey
- 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1-ounce unsalted butter, plus extra for pan
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 1/2 ounces chopped combination of your favorite dried fruit such as cranberries, blueberries, golden raisins and apricots
Method:
Butter a 9 by 9-inch glass baking dish and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Spread the oats, sunflower seeds, almonds, and flax seed and wheat germ onto a half-sheet pan. Place in the oven and toast for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In the meantime, combine the honey, brown sugar, butter, extract and salt in a medium saucepan and place over medium heat. Cook until the brown sugar has completely dissolved.
Once the oat mixture is done, remove it from the oven and reduce the heat to 300 degrees F. Immediately add the oat mixture to the liquid mixture, add the dried fruit and protein, and stir to combine. Turn mixture out into the prepared baking dish and press down, evenly distributing the mixture in the dish and place in the oven to bake for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Cut into squares and store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Shipping Overseas:
- Individually wrap bars in plastic wrap, place them in disposable plastic containers lined with crumpled wax paper. Colorful paper mache boxes also work nicely.
- Place your containers in a second larger box that is cushioned by crumpled wax paper or bubble wrap.
- A friendly letter or greeting is always appreciated. Be sure to include one with your care package.
